Golden Temptation – A Yuri Story - Chapter 83

“You?”

“Heh, I just offered you a drink. Why don’t we go somewhere else?”

“Why should I be friends with you?”

Jing Cheng stepped closer to Lin Hao and narrowed his eyes. “Brother, you look like someone who’s just had his heart broken. It’s just a woman, isn’t it?”

“She’s not the same. She’s different…” Lin Hao was already somewhat drunk. “Don’t worry. I’ve got a plan!”

Jing Cheng brought Lin Hao to a rather decadent bar. Despite Lin Hao’s usual sharpness, he was still just a naive student who had never truly stepped into the real world. Faced with an old fox like Jing Cheng, he quickly let his guard down. Jing Cheng, playing the role of a suave, worldly big brother, shared numerous tips and tricks on picking up girls. Lin Hao went from trusting him to outright idolizing him.

He poured out everything — his experiences with Qiao Fei and his intense desire to win her over. Jing Cheng pretended to ponder for a moment, then patted him on the shoulder. “Don’t worry, with me as your big brother, you’ll definitely win the girl of your dreams!”
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Meanwhile, Qiao Fei reluctantly left Jing Xuan’s arms. Though she didn’t want to part from her, she remembered that Lin Hao, her annoying shadow, was still somewhere in the hotel lobby. As much as she disliked it, she had to go back and find him. But after searching the lobby thoroughly and finding no trace of Lin Hao, and since it was getting late, Jing Xuan offered to drive her home.

This time, Jing Xuan didn’t drive her flashy One-77, opting instead for a more discreet car. She carefully parked a bit farther from the apartment complex, hoping not to draw any attention — but Qiao Fei’s parents still noticed something unusual.

Though it was supposed to be a simple night out with Lin Hao, Qiao Fei’s mother couldn’t help but worry. With Qiao Fei’s phone confiscated, she couldn’t call Lin Hao, so she kept anxiously peeking out the window. Suddenly, she spotted Qiao Fei getting out of a car at a distance from the entrance — suspicious behavior. Grabbing her coat, she rushed downstairs.

Jing Xuan was reluctant to let Qiao Fei go. More than once, she had the impulse to take her away for good, far from everything. But that would be cruel to Qiao Fei’s parents, and Jing Xuan knew that wouldn’t truly make Fei’er happy. She got out of the car and gently pulled Qiao Fei into an embrace, adjusting her coat collar with affectionate care.

But just then, Qiao Fei’s mother appeared like a sudden storm. Seeing her daughter hugging a “man” so tenderly, she immediately called out, her voice filled with disapproval.

“Mom? What are you doing out here?” Qiao Fei awkwardly stepped out of Jing Xuan’s embrace.

Her mother cleared her throat. “Fei’er, what’s going on here?”

Not wanting Qiao Fei to feel pressured, Jing Xuan stepped forward politely. “Good evening, Auntie. I’m Fei’er’s friend.”

Her manners and poise softened the mother’s stance. With Jing Xuan’s striking looks and charming smile, she came across as refined and even a little endearing. The tension eased slightly.

“Oh? A friend?” Qiao Fei’s mother studied Jing Xuan meaningfully.

But then Qiao Fei boldly grabbed Jing Xuan’s hand. “Mom, this is Jing Xuan. She’s the one I love.”

“What?” If she hadn’t already heard whispers about Jing Xuan, Qiao Fei’s mother might never have guessed that this elegant young person in front of her was actually a woman in disguise.

“You’re the one—?”

Jing Xuan and Qiao Fei exchanged glances. Qiao Fei knew this confrontation was inevitable — like ripping off a bandage. Sooner was better than later. Jing Xuan hadn’t expected Qiao Fei to come out with it now, but she wasn’t afraid. She just worried whether her parents could handle the truth.

“Yes, Auntie,” Jing Xuan said respectfully. “I’m Jing Xuan.”

“Thank you for bringing Fei’er home. It’s late. You should go. And please, don’t come looking for her again.”

“Mom—” Qiao Fei could feel the storm coming. She tugged gently at her mother’s sleeve, trying to shield Jing Xuan from the harsh rejection. She signaled for Jing Xuan to leave quickly.

Though clearly unwelcome, Jing Xuan still bowed politely and drove off.
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Qiao Fei barely stepped inside before confronting her mother. “Mom, why were you like that just now?”

“Why? You still ask why? I will never approve of you two being together. And you — how could you lie to us? Lin Hao is a perfectly fine boy. You must’ve been the one who cheated first. And going to Japan — was it just to be with this Jing Xuan?”

“Mom! Why won’t you believe me? Lin Hao bullied me. Jing Xuan was the one who saved me! You can disapprove of us, but how can you accuse me like that? Yes, I lied about Japan. But I’ve been trying to tell you the truth — you just never listened. Mom, you really hurt me!”

She ran into her room, slamming the door.
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“What’s going on?” Qiao’s father rushed out of the kitchen. “What’s all the yelling?”

“Your daughter!” her mother fumed. “All grown up now — won’t listen to a word I say. She’d rather throw away her parents for a woman!”

“What?” He walked to Qiao Fei’s room and knocked gently. “Fei’er, come out. Let’s talk.”

With red-rimmed eyes, Qiao Fei came out and sat on the couch, ready for a scolding.

“Fei’er,” her father said, “why must you make us worry so much? What’s so great about this Jing Xuan that she’s completely turned your head? There are so many good boys out there, yet you choose this… unorthodox path. You’re not a child anymore. You have to take responsibility for your choices. What did I do in my past life to deserve this?”

“Listen to your father,” her mother added. “Two women can’t be together. You’re young now, but a woman’s youth is fleeting. Right now it’s all romance and excitement, but when it’s gone? Life is about daily struggles — food, bills, responsibilities. This isn’t a game. What happens when you grow apart? How will you have children? What will you do in old age? It’s just not realistic.

We won’t stop you from being friends with Jing Xuan, but a romantic relationship is out of the question.”

“Mom, I understand everything you’re saying. I’ve thought about it all. Dad’s right — I am under a spell. I can’t control how I feel. I can’t imagine life without her. The thought of parting… it hurts too much. I’m sorry. I know I’m being unfilial, but I can’t give her up. I truly love her.”

“Listen to yourself!” her father shouted, unable to contain his anger. “So shameless! You love her? And she loves you? If she really did, why would she be flirting with other women? Can you be happy with someone like that?”

His voice thundered through the room, making Qiao Fei’s mind ring. She closed her eyes, tears slipping down her cheeks.

“Please, stop. Ever since I was young, I’ve lived by your expectations. But have you ever cared if what you wanted for me was what I truly wanted? I’m done living your life. For once, I’m going to follow my heart. I won’t leave Jing Xuan. You can tear us apart physically, but you can’t sever our bond. If you only want the shell of a daughter without a soul, then so be it.”

Her calm, emotionless tone made her father’s chest tighten. He nearly collapsed.

He raised his hand in fury, but her mother stopped him. “Lao Qiao! What are you doing? She just got out of the hospital! Do you want her to end up back there?”

With a grunt, he lowered his hand. “Qiao Fei. I’ll ask you one last time. Will you choose Jing Xuan, or your parents? If you remain this stubborn, you are no longer my daughter!”

“Dad! How can you ask me to make a choice like that?”

“I’ve said my piece. You decide.”
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Her mother stood anxiously between them, not wanting to hurt her daughter, yet feeling desperate to break them apart. The room was tense, full of silent pressure.

Qiao Fei took a deep breath, then exhaled slowly. She couldn’t abandon her parents. But loving Jing Xuan — it was so exhausting. She whispered, “I’m sorry, Mom, Dad… Maybe I really don’t deserve to be your daughter.”

Before she could finish, her father suddenly clutched his chest and collapsed.

“Lao Qiao!!”
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Outside the emergency room, Qiao Fei sat on a bench, hollow and dazed. The earlier argument replayed in her mind like a broken record.

“Qiao Fei! Are you trying to kill your father? Are you trying to destroy this family?!”

Her mother was sobbing, holding tightly onto Lin Hao’s hand. Gray hairs glimmered at her temples. She had aged in an instant.

Qiao Fei slowly closed her eyes, her heart breaking with each beat.

Jing Xuan… it seems we are not meant to be in this lifetime.