Golden Temptation – A Yuri Story - Chapter 60

Jing Xuan was deep in thought when she suddenly noticed Lan Qing had stopped walking. Following her gaze, she saw a graceful figure standing quietly in the garden. The young woman blended harmoniously with the surrounding flowers, forming a picturesque scene.

By the pond stood a wooden easel. Nian Qing held a palette in her left hand and a brush in her right, carefully adding color to the canvas, completely unaware of the two pairs of eyes watching her from behind.

“Big sister!” Lan Qing let go of Jing Xuan’s hand and trotted over to Nian Qing. “Is this a new piece?”

Nian Qing nodded, put down her brush, and lovingly tucked a stray strand of hair from Lan Qing’s forehead back in place. “You’re already this grown up, and still so mischievous!”

“Wow~ It’s so beautiful! How long have you been working on it?”

“Four months. The aura of this pond changes every day, making it hard to capture. That’s why it’s taken a bit longer.”

“Xuan, come take a look!” Lan Qing eagerly called out to Jing Xuan.

Jing Xuan had been quietly observing the two sisters from not far away. One was serene like still water, the other lively and charming. With such a beautiful setting, it was a perfect image—”a beauty in a beautiful scene” couldn’t even begin to describe it.

“What do you think of my sister’s new painting?”

Jing Xuan studied the painting for a moment and then spoke:

“Hmm… the defining trait of pond water is its depth and stillness. It often carries an air of mystery or melancholy, with deep tones as the main theme—emphasizing stillness. But your painting is different. The pond appears vibrant, not eerie. The light tones bring freshness and liveliness. Sunlight dances on the water, radiating life.

Especially this halo effect—your use of color is masterful. You’ve overturned the usual mood of quiet mystery and infused it with vitality. It’s truly an exceptional work!”

“Well said!” Nian Qing’s eyes lit up, clearly delighted to have found someone who understood her art so deeply.

Lan Qing pouted playfully. “Since when did you become such an art critic? Just so you know, once my sister’s works hit the market, they’re worth a fortune. You’d be lucky to even catch a glimpse! Today’s your lucky day—enjoy it!”

Looking smug, Lan Qing was immediately tapped on the forehead by Nianqing. “You! Don’t exaggerate so much. Jing Xuan, please don’t mind her.”

“Not at all. Everything Qing’er said is true. I’ve always admired your artwork. It’s as if the brush is guided by divine inspiration. And please, there’s no need to be formal—just call me by my name.”

“We’re the same age, so if you don’t mind, you can just call me by my name too,” Nianqing replied with a gentle smile.

“That wouldn’t be proper. Like Qing’er, I should also call you ‘sister.’”

“Hmph! Who asked you to follow me?” Lan Qing said cheekily.

“Ah?…” Jing Xuan was taken aback, while the sisters burst into laughter together. The scene was so warm and lively it stung Nishikawa Goro’s eyes.

He loosened his collar, walked over, and wrapped an arm around Nianqing’s waist. “What’s everyone laughing about?”

The moment his hand touched her waist, Nianqing’s smile froze for a split second before quickly recovering. She forced a casual and intimate tone. “Jing Xuan told a very funny joke. That’s why we’re laughing~”

“Oh? Can I hear it too? I’d love to share the joy.”

Lan Qing had always detested Nishikawa Goro. Now this bastard was openly acting affectionate in front of her and taking advantage of her sister. Her anger flared.

Although she loathed him, her face remained bright and beautiful. “A joke isn’t funny the second time around, Nishikawa. Don’t tell me you don’t even know that?”

Seeing Nishikawa Goro’s face darken, Lan Qing didn’t care. She grabbed her sister’s hand and pulled her away from his embrace.

“Big sister, weren’t you going to try on your wedding dress today? Let’s go see if it’s arrived!”

Nianqing instructed a servant to pack up her painting, then turned to Jing Xuan and gave a graceful bow. “Jing Xuan, please make yourself at home. I’ll take Qing’er upstairs.”

Jing Xuan returned the bow formally. As she looked up, she saw Lan Qing give her a mischievous wink. Jing Xuan smiled knowingly, watching the sisters leave.

“Hmph!” Nishikawa Goro grunted coldly at Jing Xuan, then followed the Iga sisters back inside.

Jing Xuan was stunned. What did I do to him? So unreasonable! After a moment, her usual sunny smile returned, and she whispered triumphantly to Goro’s retreating figure: “You’re just jealous of me!”

What kind of grown man is so petty? Honestly… hopeless!

(Sometimes, even Jing Xuan can be a little girlish~)

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The wedding of Nian Qing and Nishikawa Goro was set for the next day. Guests invited by both the Iga and Nishikawa families were already arriving. From early morning, Lan Qing dressed up in a lovely outfit to help her family greet the guests. Jing Xuan remained gracefully by her side—the two of them looked every bit like a perfect match.

“Qing’er, look over there! Isn’t that—?”

Jing Xuan took Lan Qing’s hand and walked forward. “Shuangji! You finally decided to show your face?”

Gao Zhe, who hadn’t been seen for months, had grown her hair long, adopting a slightly disheveled, alternative look. Yet she was still handsome and refined.

She handed over a prepared gift and, seeing Jing Xuan and Lan Qing holding hands tightly, sighed softly. “This is a wedding gift for Nianqing. I hope the lovers find their happy ending.”

She patted their shoulders and walked silently to the guest seating area.

Lan Qing accepted the gift, puzzled. “Xuan, what’s up with Shuangji? She’s acting weird. She would’ve been goofing around with us already if this were before…”

Jing Xuan watched her retreating figure. “She’s probably still heartbroken over Xinyu. Don’t worry. The old shameless Shuangji will come back eventually.”

“Mmh! Xuan, look—Junye and the others are here! And she brought a beautiful date this time!”

Jing Xuan looked toward the entrance. Strictly gentlemanly, Yan Junye stepped out of the car and helped a graceful woman out. Her figure was oddly familiar. Jing Xuan’s brow furrowed, her emotions starting to stir.

Yes. She recognized her.

As Yan Junye and her companion entered the hall, Lan Qing gasped, “Oh my god! Isn’t that—?”

Jing Xuan’s expression had already turned completely dark. Yan Junye’s female companion was—Qiao Fei.

Qiao Fei also froze when she saw Jing Xuan. She hadn’t expected to run into the one she still longed for at such a moment. First came joy, then a wave of sorrow.

So Xinyu was right all along. I wasn’t the only one. I was just one of her women. And yet I waited like a fool in City C, holding on with hope and love. Jing Xuan, which of your promises to me were even real?

As Yan Junye brought Qiao Fei forward and handed over her gift, the atmosphere among the four turned tense.

Jing Xuan glared at her. Already shorter than her, Yan Junye now looked even more lacking in confidence.

“Ajing, don’t misunderstand… we’re just—”

“Junye, let’s go,” Qiao Fei interrupted. Her eyes remained locked on Jing Xuan, filled with pain. She struggled to hold back tears. “It’s not us who should be explaining. It’s her.”

“What do you mean by that?” Jing Xuan’s tone was cold and stiff.

Sensing things escalating, Lan Qing quickly gave Jing Xuan’s hand a gentle squeeze, signaling her to calm down.

“Junye, Fei’er, thank you for coming to my sister’s wedding. Please, head inside and make yourselves comfortable. This isn’t the place to talk. We can sort things out later.”

Trying to ease the tension, Lan Qing intervened. Yan Junye, clearly uncomfortable, led Qiao Fei inside. As they passed each other, neither she nor Jing Xuan looked back.

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“Xuan, what’s wrong?”

Irritated, Jing Xuan rubbed her temples without replying. Lan Qing gently removed her hand and noticed the red mark forming on her brow.

“Xuan, you know Junye. There must be a misunderstanding.”

Jing Xuan gripped Lan Qing’s hand and forced a pained smile. “Don’t worry. I’m fine. I’ll talk to them later and clear everything up.”

What she didn’t know was that Qiao Fei, watching their intimacy from afar, only felt more heartbroken.

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Such a grand event was bound to attract troublemakers. Jing Cheng made another dramatic entrance at the Iga estate.

“Well, well! What a lively house, Lord Jonin! Congratulations!”

“Mr. Jing, your visit brings honor to the humble Iga residence! Hahaha!”

Jing Cheng exaggeratedly hugged Iga Jonin, feigning closeness. “My, so many young talents here!”

Like a hawk, his eyes locked onto Jing Xuan. “Ah, this must be Jing Xuan, a friend of my daughter Lan Qing! Such a fine young man!”

For once, old Iga praised Jing Xuan, if only for the sake of appearances.

Jing Cheng’s gaze swept to Lan Qing. “So many stunning beauties around Jing Xuan. I must say, I’m quite envious!”

Jing Xuan smiled confidently. “Uncle Jing, your powerful presence always takes the spotlight. I, as your junior, can only strive to learn from you!”

“Haha! Jonin! I like this kid!”

Jing Cheng threw an arm around Jing Xuan’s shoulders. “You called me ‘uncle’ just now, right? I’ve always said—we may very well be family!”