I Helped My Best Friend with Her Romance—and Fell for the Enemy’s Strategist - Chapter 48

“Mhm, I really like it. I love everything about my girlfriend.”

Fu Yanxi gently stroked her hair, ruffling it until two little stray strands stuck up. Her own little sunshine was equally beautiful, soft and warm, carrying the refreshing scent of orange peel.

Lin Ruocheng played with her hand, distinctly jointed, tinged with a faint pink, slender and elegant, almost like a hand model’s. It was clear she took good care of them, smooth to the touch, as if she never skipped applying hand cream.

It’s good that she likes it, she thought, worried that there might not be enough about her to attract the other. The fear lingered that it could lead to losing her affection.

Now, she felt a bit anxious. Lin Ruocheng’s affection for her seemed to have come on quickly, would it fade just as fast? She wasn’t sure, and the uncertainty weighed on her.

The movie they were watching was The Handmaiden, one she had long wanted to see. Watching it with her girlfriend was a lovely experience.

“Is it good?”

“Not as good as you.”

“Smooth talker.”

This was the first time Lin Ruocheng realized her voice actress could be so charmingly glib, but she loved it all the same.

Nearby, Song Wanqing was shelling sunflower seeds, handing the kernels to Yu Qiuli. Instead of taking them, Yu Qiuli leaned in and sucked the kernels directly from her fingers.

The warm, moist touch sent a jolt through Song Wanqing, who pulled her hand back as if shocked. Her ears flushed bright red. She hadn’t expected Yu Qiuli to do that, it wasn’t that she minded, just that it felt too sudden.

This was her first relationship, and she wasn’t sure how to navigate it. They had been together for ten months, yet they hadn’t even shared a kiss on the lips. It sounded almost unbelievable to say out loud.

Such sudden intimacy was a bit overwhelming, but she knew she needed to get used to it. After all, Lin Ruocheng and her girlfriend kissed right in front of them, while she and Yu Qiuli seemed to be moving at a snail’s pace.

Even with mutual respect, there should be room for a little impulsiveness. A bit of impulse wasn’t disrespect, it was a natural need. Both she and Yu Qiuli were adults, and after ten months together, it was time for some progress.

“What’s wrong? Are you nervous?”

Yu Qiuli had picked up the move from Lin Ruocheng. Seeing the two kiss had surprised her, it was her first realization that couples could become intimate so quickly.

In contrast, she and Song Wanqing’s closest moment so far was a kiss on the cheek. To put it plainly, their relationship was almost too bland, like a bottle of plain water, clear and predictable.

Every day, they’d meet, exchange greetings, then visit the same few places: the library, a restaurant, and a stroll around the track field. That was it. Even holding hands made them blush like monkeys.

Despite being together for ten months, they remained shy and reserved, both cherishing the relationship deeply. In this fast-paced world, they didn’t want a rushed, fleeting romance. They wanted to take it slow, even slower. But perhaps they had slowed down a bit too much.

The path wasn’t easy, so they wanted to tread it carefully, step by step. After all, there were still many people outside who looked down on same-sex relationships.

Initially, every romance begins with the intention of lasting a lifetime, but over time, many couples gradually drift apart. This is especially true for groups like theirs, whose relationships are not recognized by the state, there is no marriage, only a voluntary guardianship agreement. If they want to officially marry and obtain a certificate, they have to go abroad.

No one can guarantee that the current relationship “I love you, you love me” will remain the same in the future.

Even couples without parental interference can still break up.

But Song Wanqing didn’t want that.

She only wanted to be with Yu Qiuli.

Though, at twenty years old, such a statement might seem like nothing more than words, devoid of promises or trust, she was determined to put in the effort to nurture and sustain this hard-won relationship.

For same-sex couples, financial stability is essential, it serves as a foundation to withstand external pressures. It’s not that their love isn’t strong enough, but without financial support, the relationship can become fragile, easily shattered.

“No, I really like it.”

Song Wanqing was just a little caught off guard, it didn’t mean she disliked the other’s touch.

She felt grateful that her parents supported her.

They loved her and knew about Yu Qiuli’s presence.

Glancing back at the two lovebirds, Song Wanqing carefully wrapped her arms around Yu Qiuli for the first time.

Yu Qiuli understood her intention and began to mimic Lin Ruocheng, nestling into her embrace.

Perhaps because their feelings were so precious, they were both hesitant to take overly intimate actions, afraid the other might not like it.

As long as they were the right people for each other, no matter how long it took to become more intimate, they would always cherish one another.

The two couples behind them were lively and affectionate, while Lin Shuyi, up ahead, was the lone single one.

She didn’t feel like a third wheel.

Her mind was completely occupied with thoughts of a seafood feast.

She had no interest in romance, her heart and eyes were set only on delicious food.

Being a single noble wasn’t so bad after all.

All her money could be spent on herself.

Besides, she now had a sister-in-law. With a little flattery, money would practically jump right into her pocket.

Her brother-in-law seemed quite wealthy, no, not just wealthy, but filthy rich.

Definitely much richer than her own family.

Her older sister wouldn’t suffer by being with him.

…

Lin Shuyi didn’t rest; she drove for three hours straight until they reached the vicinity of the island.

They then boarded a boat and, after another hour, successfully arrived at the island.

“Sis… why don’t I see any beautiful women around?”

Being single didn’t bother Lin Shuyi, but the main reason she came to the island was the rumor that, during the National Day holiday, it would be crowded with tourists, and of course, there would be women in bikinis and swimwear. She wasn’t a pervert, just genuinely concerned for their safety.

Yes, that was it.

“I knew your mind wasn’t pure. Wait until tonight, there’s a bonfire party.”

“What are you talking about? Sister-in-law, look at my sister!”

Fu Yanxi glanced at Lin Ruocheng but didn’t dare say a word. After all, he had finally found a girlfriend.

What if she ran off again?

Where would he go to find her? And how could Lin Shuyi possibly compensate him?

“Hmm, that’s fine.”

Lin Shuyi was used to it. Suddenly, it dawned on her, she would have to endure lovey-dovey displays from three couples from now on! Her mom and her middle-aged lesbian partner were always affectionate, and now with her older sister added to the mix, she felt like she wouldn’t need to eat meals anymore, just the “dog food” would fill her up.

Fu Yanxi now acted just like her mom, completely love-struck.

Always putting her partner on a pedestal.

To this, Lin Shuyi could only respond with disdain.

It’s just a relationship, is it really necessary to act like that?

Seriously, where’s the self-respect?

Anyway, she herself would never get into a relationship.