Golden Temptation – A Yuri Story - Chapter 82

Qiao Fei had only suffered a head injury—it wasn’t serious.

After the doctor gave a few instructions, such as keeping the wound dry, she was discharged. But from that day on, Qiao Fei’s “under surveillance” life began.

Ever since the magazine incident, there had been a silent understanding between Qiao’s parents and Qiao Fei—no one brought up the matter again. Jing Xuan’s name became a taboo in the Qiao household.

Her parents wanted to take her back to their hometown, but worried about her injury, they decided the whole family would stay in C City for the New Year. The truth was, they wanted to monitor her social circle and keep a close eye on any “improper” behavior.

Qiao Fei understood their true intentions—she was caught in a constant state of inner conflict: terrified that Jing Xuan would come looking for her, and at the same time desperately hoping she would. Day after day, she lived in that torturous cycle—hurting, yet happy.

Her phone was confiscated, her computer password-protected, and she was accompanied whenever she left home—her every move under parental control. Liu Xinyu visited a few times, exchanged small talk, and didn’t manage to extract any valuable information. But when the Qiao family’s “security” wasn’t watching, Liu Xinyu discreetly showed Qiao Fei four words on her phone screen:

“Retreat to advance.”

It was a passive approach—but the most effective one they had. This was the strategy Liu Xinyu and Gao Zhe had developed together. Gao Zhe had returned to C City, unwilling to let Xinyu face everything alone. To be frank, Gao Zhe had a car, a house, no living parents—except for her gender, she matched the criteria for a traditional partner. She decided to take the initiative—maybe she could win over Xinyu’s parents.

Over time, Gao Zhe resorted to her stubborn nature. No matter how many cold looks she received, she kept showing up at the Liu household. With Liu Xinyu’s cooperation, their passionate, undying love story almost rivaled Romeo and Juliet. Eventually, her parents gave in and approved their relationship. After all, if they didn’t say anything, no one would guess Gao Zhe was a woman. Their reputations remained intact.

The difference between the Liu and Qiao families, however, was significant. The Lius were businesspeople—seasoned and worldly. The Qiaos, on the other hand, were teachers—minds filled with Confucian values of propriety, righteousness, and morality. For them to accept same-sex love as a modern form of romance was far more difficult.

Even if Liu Xinyu’s experience couldn’t be replicated, at least it gave Qiao Fei hope.

Lin Hao began visiting more frequently. Qiao’s mother had a private talk with him. Ever since Lin Hao resolved to win Qiao Fei back, he had purposely made himself look more disheveled, to express deep regret.

Her mother’s talk boosted his confidence, so he started putting even more effort into winning the Qiao parents over.

Inspired by Liu Xinyu’s example, Qiao Fei also toned herself down. She wasn’t as cold to Lin Hao anymore, which gave him the illusion that he was making progress. But don’t get the wrong idea—Qiao Fei was simply worn out by her parents’ constant pressure.

That day, when Lin Hao visited again, Qiao Fei suggested they go for a walk. Her parents agreed enthusiastically. The moment they stepped outside, Qiao Fei’s demeanor changed. Lin Hao understood she was using him—but that was fine. He had his own plan: if he could get her to lower her guard, she might fall for him again.

The two walked in silence and, without realizing it, found themselves at the entrance of Huatian. Qiao Fei paused, then stepped inside.

Huatian was as bustling and glamorous as ever. Loud music pounded as lonely men and women danced their hearts out, trying to drown their emptiness in flashing lights and flowing liquor.

Will, the manager, came to greet them.

“Miss Fei’er, long time no see.”

Qiao Fei wanted to ask if Jing Xuan had been there, but with Lin Hao beside her, she only responded politely, “Long time no see.”

From the moment Qiao Fei entered, a pair of intoxicated eyes had been fixed on her. That person watched as Will led them to a private booth, waved over a server, whispered in their ear, and sent them off.

Qiao Fei sat quietly in the booth, listening to the music, saying nothing. Lin Hao was puzzled. Of course, he had been to Huatian before—it was the most luxurious club in C City—but he hadn’t expected someone like Qiao Fei to be so familiar with it.

“Fei’er, do you come here often?”

“Why?”

“No reason. I just saw that the manager knows you. Thought maybe—”

“I used to work here.”

“Oh, I see…”

Just then, a waiter brought over a beautifully colored cocktail.

“Miss Fei’er, this is a new drink from our manager, specially made for young women. Please give it a try.”

Qiao Fei looked at the vibrant colors, smelled the fruity aroma, and felt a ripple of emotion stir in her heart. She took a sip—familiar.

“Mmm, it’s delicious. What’s it called?”

“The owner hasn’t named it yet. For now, we’re calling it Kiss.”

“Great name. Thank you.”

“Enjoy your time.” The waiter left politely.

Qiao Fei smiled—genuinely happy.

This was the first cocktail Jing Xuan ever made for her. Jing Xuan had once joked that it tasted like Qiao Fei’s kiss, so she’d never make it for anyone else. Jing Xuan loved mixology—loved turning different spirits into joy under her nimble hands. Just like her personality. Just like her smile.

She’s back.

Though the outside world had blocked all contact, Jing Xuan had found her own way to tell her—I’m back.

That radiant smile on Qiao Fei’s face left Lin Hao stunned. He’d seen her smile before—but never like this. Just a cocktail, and she looked so blissful. Yet he, someone who loved her deeply, had never seen her smile this way for him.

It pierced his heart.

A sharp pain.

Darkness flashed across his eyes.

Qiao Fei didn’t notice the change in him. Gracefully finishing her drink, she stood up.

“Excuse me, I’m going to the restroom. Of course, if you’re worried, you’re welcome to follow—just don’t blame me if people think you’re a creep.”

She noted that Lin Hao didn’t try to follow her with his eyes. Circling behind the main floor, she went upstairs to the manager’s office. She gently pushed the door open——and was pulled into a tight embrace.

Startled, she nearly cried out, but the familiar scent calmed her. She looked up into a face she knew so well, and her eyes filled with tears. Without a word, she wrapped her arms around Jing Xuan’s neck and kissed her.

Their lips met, desperate like desert travelers who had finally found water—clinging, devouring, entwining.

When the moment passed, Qiao Fei leaned weakly into her chest, listening to her heartbeat.

“Xuan, I missed you so much.”

Jing Xuan kissed her hair gently. “Fei’er, I missed you too.”

“Xuan…” Qiao Fei tried to speak, but tears spilled first. “I’m sorry…”

Jing Xuan cupped her face, kissed the tears away.

“Baby, listen to me. It’s my fault—I shouldn’t have left you alone to face your parents. I should’ve been there.”

“No… no…”

Qiao Fei put her fingers to Jing Xuan’s lips to stop her from continuing. Jing Xuan kissed the fingers, and Qiao Fei’s heart trembled again.

“Fei’er, do you trust me?” Jing Xuan looked deep into her eyes.

“I do, Xuan. I only trust you.”

“Fei’er, you have to be strong. Let’s give your parents time. I’m staying in C City this time. I’ll find a way to see you. I believe, once they truly understand me, they’ll entrust their precious daughter to me.”

“Mm.”

“Fei’er, take care of yourself.” Jing Xuan’s hand caressed her increasingly visible spine with tenderness.

“Have faith in our future. Have faith in me. Okay?”

Meanwhile, Lin Hao was growing restless. Qiao Fei had been gone too long. All his recent efforts—and her continued indifference—left him bitter and frustrated. He pushed the empty bottle aside and called for another drink.

A waiter brought over two glasses of whiskey—placed one before Lin Hao, and sat in the seat across from him.

Startled by the sudden company, Lin Hao looked up in confusion.

“Who are you?”

The person smiled faintly, eyes sharp like a hawk’s.

“You might not know me now—but we’ll be friends soon enough.”