The Lady I Flirted With Is Here - Chapter 16

Chapter 16: Mid-Autumn Festival

Milky white steam spiraled slowly from the fragrant pot. It was the Mid-Autumn Festival, and the coffee table in the living room was a feast for the eyes: delicious dishes, fine wine, mooncakes, fruits, boiled spiced peanuts and edamame, and a birthday cake.

A circle of peers sat around, beaming. Everyone raised their glasses: “Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!” After draining their drinks, they cheered in unison: “Happy Birthday to Xianxian! May today repeat every year, and may this moment last forever!”

Lin Xian thanked them, drinking two glasses of red wine in the lively atmosphere. She squinted her beautiful eyes and smiled: “I’m so moved today. Thank you Yaya and Nannan for working so hard, thank you Jingjing and her boyfriend for the cooking and care, and finally, thank you Binliu and Chaochao for coming, and He Yao for being here.”

Everyone teased her for being too polite, noisily bringing up the fact that Lin Xian had “fried” another phone today. Hearing this, Jiang Binliu asked with concern: “What happened?”

Yaya explained the circumstances. Jiang Binliu then spoke up: “Xianxian, I still have a few thousand yuan saved from my part-time jobs. If this phone can’t be fixed, let me know when you change it. I’ll lend you the money.”

Lin Xian felt a warmth in her heart. Jiang Binliu was a boy from her major whom she only got to know well in her junior year. He looked remarkably like Choi Taek from the show Reply 1988, earning him the nickname “Taek” since freshman year. They became study partners because they were aiming for the same graduate program at the same university. As a qualified study buddy, he was incredibly selfless in sharing materials and supervising Lin Xian’s studies.

Because Lin Xian’s graduation thesis was a study on the play Secret Love in Peach Blossom Land, she often teased him by asking where his “Yun Zhifan” was. Every time, he would smile awkwardly and push up his glasses with the shyness of a top student.

As soon as Jiang Binliu finished speaking, Wen Chao silently transferred a sum of money to Lin Xian. “Go buy a phone,” she noted in the WeChat message. Lin Xian looked up and saw the unquestionable look in Wen Chao’s eyes.

After a moment’s thought, Lin Xian returned the money and sent a message: “I have enough myself, thank you.”

Fearing Wen Chao might be angry, she added: “I’ll ask you if I run out of money later.”

Wen Chao’s expression was unreadable, but she finally replied: “Mhm.”

She reached out with her tattooed arm and grabbed a piece of beef with her chopsticks. Seemingly dissatisfied, she then grabbed a heap of mutton and put it all into Lin Xian’s bowl with an air of domineering authority: “Eat more.”

Lin Xian felt a bit uncomfortable. As a friend, Wen Chao was undoubtedly loyal, but she had many flaws. Lin Xian had told her more than once to keep her distance and mentioned that she had a “cleanliness obsession” and didn’t like sharing food from the same bowl.

But today, Wen Chao seemed somewhat angry—perhaps because Lin Xian had refused her help. Between close friends, such friction was inevitable.

Lin Xian endured her impatience, telling herself it was her birthday and remembering all the help Wen Chao had given her in the past. In the end, she said nothing.

Little did she know, He Yao saw everything. In her unpolished Cantonese-Hainan accent, she reached out and moved all the meat from Lin Xian’s bowl onto a side plate. “Wen Chao, are you sick or something?~” He Yao laughed exaggeratedly, then scolded her jokingly: “We all know Xianxian has a cleanliness thing, and you’re still putting food in her bowl? She’s the birthday girl! She’s treating us to dinner and you’re disrespecting her, even bullying her. You think Xianxian only has you as a friend? Are we invisible?”

He Yao’s non-standard Mandarin accent, with its coastal flavor, naturally neutralized the sharpness of her words, turning it into a point of humor instead. The conversation shifted to teasing He Yao about her accent; no one asked why Wen Chao was acting out, nor did they question He Yao’s actions.

Only Lin Xian knew that He Yao had likely noticed something.

He Yao was a lesbian. Lin Xian had known this since freshman year when He Yao was looking for a partner on the school forum before even arriving on campus. Back then, He Yao’s “catfish” photos had attracted countless replies from upperclassmen. Lin Xian had glanced at them once, mistakenly thinking she was a tall, cool, and handsome “T” (Tomboy/Top). He Yao eventually outed herself as a Chinese major freshman. For a fellow major who was out, Lin Xian—who was deep in the closet at the time—had felt a spark of interest.

It wasn’t a crush, but rather a sense of joy. She hadn’t encountered anyone like herself in high school, so she held high expectations for the upcoming university life where she could finally interact with people in the community.

She wanted to know how others lived and if they were happy.

However, when freshman year started, the short and skinny He Yao came to visit. Lin Xian saw a face full of acne and a girl who moved like a nimble little monkey. She developed a profound fear of online photos from that day on.

Of course, He Yao was very outgoing. As the person behind the “catfish” photos, she didn’t feel she had deceived the public and even became good friends with the upperclassmen who had come to see her out of curiosity.

Compared to He Yao, Wen Chao perhaps fit the fantasy many “P” (Pure/Feminine) girls had for a “T”: a height surpassing her peers, a sturdy and slender build, exaggerated tattoos on her arms, cool short hair, and fashionable outfits. On the first day, she paraded around campus on a skateboard, attracting crowds of girls who couldn’t tell her gender. Many straight girls, upon learning Wen Chao was female, dramatically “bent” themselves, claiming they would become lesbians just for her.

Too aggressive, Lin Xian shook her head. She didn’t like people like Wen Chao; she found it troublesome even being friends and wanted to keep her distance. If Wen Chao hadn’t stepped up to defend her when Lin Xian spectacularly came out in her freshman year and was accused of “corrupting school spirit,” they might never have become friends.

Once, Wen Chao had asked Lin Xian: “As a standard for a partner, do you think I qualify?”

Lin Xian was oblivious. As someone who had never been in love, she had her own goals. She leaned toward Wen Chao provocatively and said, “We are competitors. Better not ask me that, or we can’t even be friends.”

Wen Chao blinked, seemingly unable to understand what Lin Xian meant by “competitors.”

“You?” During freshman year, Lin Xian was a “black-long-straight” hair goddess. When she stayed still and quiet, she looked the part—a true “straight man killer.”

“Are you a T?” Wen Chao had smirked at her.

Lin Xian got angry: “Have you ever heard of a ‘Girly T’? I like busty older sisters and cute, petite girls best. If I see one first in the future, you better not fight me for her!”

Lin Xian continued her declaration: “Brothers are like limbs, but a girlfriend is like clothes. I can lose a hand or a leg, but I can’t go around naked.”

Wen Chao laughed out of frustration: “Fine, ‘Girly T’. Do you know the market doesn’t welcome ‘Girly Ts’ like you who look like straight girls or soft ‘Ps’? You need to be cooler, more aloof.”

A few days later, Lin Xian stood before Wen Chao with flaming red lips and long, sexy flaxen curls.

Wen Chao froze for a long time. Only after realizing it was Lin Xian did she snap: “Who taught you to dress like this? It’s ugly!”

Lin Xian didn’t understand or care about Wen Chao’s aesthetics. “It’s the Western-style ‘Girly T’ look. He Yao said it has a big market. She said if she didn’t have a thing for the literary/fresh style, she might have laid down for me herself.”

“You shameless thing!” Wen Chao took a tissue and wiped the red lipstick off Lin Xian’s lips. “You look better without makeup. ‘Ps’ don’t like ‘Ts’ who wear heavy makeup.”

Once upon a time, in the midst of their bickering friendship, a girl had even come to ask Lin Xian: “Are you dating Wen Chao?”

Lin Xian thought it was a fairy tale. Forget it; Wen Chao was arrogant and inconsiderate. She even suspected others had been brainwashed into blindly worshipping Wen Chao. How could she date someone like that?

Lin Xian clarified immediately: “I’m a Girly T, she’s an Iron T (hard butch). Ever heard of like poles repelling? I’d date anyone but her!”

The next day, a furious Wen Chao made a scene at Lin Xian’s dorm. She brought a megaphone and sat on a chair at the door, shouting: “Lin Xian is a poser, let lightning strike her!” Lin Xian came out and fought with Wen Chao. Neither won. The two of them, covered in scratches, went to a snack shop for noodles. Eating her noodles, Wen Chao complained: “Who told you I’m an Iron T?”

Lin Xian mocked her as if it were obvious: “You wear a chest binder and act like a sexist straight man. If you aren’t an Iron T, I’ll write my surname ‘Lin’ backwards.”

Wen Chao asked: “Upside down?”

Lin Xian: “Left to right.”

The two burst into laughter and made up instantly. To Lin Xian, Wen Chao was a brother, a sister, but never a lover. Tired of the suspicions and afraid it would ruin their friendship, Wen Chao even posted a status: “If anyone else says Lin Xian is my wife, I’ll lose it! I might as well wish you to crawl into bed with your siblings and friends too.”

Recalling the past, Lin Xian quelled the spark of suspicion in her mind. He Yao might have seen something because she was sensitive, but since Wen Chao had admitted their friendship was pure, then they were just good sisters.

After everyone was full, night had completely fallen. The group started playing games. After a vote, they created a WeChat group to play Werewolf.

Lin Xian drew the “Villager” card. A weight lifted from her heart; she hated being the bad guy and having to act like an Oscar-winning actress.

“The sun has risen. Last night was a peaceful night. Now, players, please state your case.” Jingjing’s boyfriend wasn’t playing and acted as the Judge NPC.

Everyone defended themselves in turn. When it was Lin Xian’s turn, she decided to play it safe. In fact, she wasn’t very good at Werewolf.

“I’m a good person.”

“Anything else?”

“That’s it.”

As soon as Lin Xian finished, Wen Chao led the group in pointing at her. Lin Xian defended herself anxiously: “I really am a good person!”

Wen Chao: “It’s definitely Xianxian. She gets nervous when she lies and has no evidence, just repeating the same sentence. Whether she is or not, let’s vote her out first.”

“On what basis?” Lin Xian got worried.

Wen Chao added wickedly: “Single dogs don’t deserve a chance to speak.”

Yaya and Nannan chimed in: “That’s too much, we’re single dogs too.”

Wen Chao laughed: “Sorry, forgot about you two.”

Jiang Binliu weakly raised his hand and coughed: “Me too.”

“See,” Lin Xian got angry. “I’m not the only single dog. I’m not playing anymore, you’re just targeting me.” Thinking of Wen Chao’s behavior with the food earlier, her temper flared.

“Abusing your power for a personal grudge, right? Just because you have a partner? Hmph! Single dogs don’t eat your rice! Let me tell you, I’ve had someone I like for a long time, and I’ll win them over sooner or later!” Lin Xian raised her head proudly.

“What?”

“Who is it?”

Having outed her situation, Lin Xian looked at Jingjing—the only one who knew about Fang Daiyu. She was about to say “a beautiful lady,” but then she remembered something.

Lin Xian’s expression froze. She didn’t speak. She snapped out of it and hurriedly shouted to everyone: “Can someone lend me a phone? You guys keep playing, I… I forgot a major matter!”

Everyone was waiting for gossip, so they weren’t about to let her go.

Lin Xian was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan: “It’s a beautiful sister I met at a meet-and-greet.”

“Ooh, how beautiful?” He Yao whistled.

Wen Chao was dismissive: “Listen to her brag. With Lin Xian’s taste, what kind of quality could she find? Besides, would a beautiful sister even look at her?”

Normally, Lin Xian would have fought Wen Chao again. But she just remembered that she had officially left the “single dog” status this morning and then completely ignored Fang Daiyu all day. She was almost in tears. Luckily, she had brought her SIM card home. She begged Yaya: “Dear Yaya, it’s really important. These guys are all evil, can you lend me your phone for a bit?”

Yaya smiled. She wasn’t that into gossip, though she was curious about Lin Xian’s love life. She went to her room and brought out an old phone: “It’s my previous one. Everything works. I almost forgot your phone was being fixed; you can borrow this for a few days.”

Lin Xian grabbed the phone and rushed into her bedroom. Jingjing took the lead in calming the atmosphere, glaring at Wen Chao and He Yao, who were still making fun of Lin Xian being “destined to be alone.”

“That’s enough, you two. Give it a rest. It’s Xianxian’s birthday and you’re still bullying her. Look at her, she clearly has an emergency, otherwise she wouldn’t be stomping her feet like that.”

Wen Chao and He Yao lowered their heads and ate fruit.

Lin Xian inserted the SIM card and turned the phone on. Seeing the battery was only at 10%, she plugged in the charging cable. The wait was excruciating. She was afraid Fang Daiyu was angry and cursed herself for being unqualified.

“Who ignores their girlfriend for an entire day on the first day of dating? Lin Xian, you’re so irresponsible!”

After scolding herself, the phone turned on. Lin Xian opened WeChat and logged in. Immediately, several messages from Fang Daiyu popped up.

13:10 Little lazy cat, time to wake up.

13:40 Still sleeping?

14:30 Reply when you wake up.

15:15 Still asleep?

16:30 Is your schedule full today?

17:30 I’m making dinner, Xianxian. I want to cook for you.

18:30 Study hard, kid.

19:30 I’m heading out to the gym.

Lin Xian felt both sweet and guilty, her heart bubbling with happiness as she read each message.

So Daiyu woke up at one. So Daiyu can cook, and she even wanted to cook for me. I’m so looking forward to eating her food. Daiyu is a perfect girlfriend.

Lin Xian opened the chat and apologized first: “Girlfriend, I’m sorry. My phone got water-damaged and fried today. I forgot to reply to you.”

Fang Daiyu’s reply came almost instantly: “I’ve been waiting for you for a long time.”

Lin Xian felt even more guilty: “I’m a big idiot. You can hit me.”

Fang Daiyu sent a voice message: “I’m just relieved to get in touch with you. Why would I hit you? I’m too busy feeling sorry for you. Call me ‘girlfriend’ again.”

Lin Xian shyly typed: “Girlfriend.”

Fang Daiyu: “I want to hear a voice message.”

Afraid the people in the living room would hear, Lin Xian covered the phone and whispered: “Girlfriend.” A soft, shy voice.

Fang Daiyu’s day-long anxiety seemed to dissipate. She replied: “Is the phone damage serious? Buy a new one tomorrow.”

Lin Xian explained: “The uncle at the school gate said he’d take another look, don’t worry. I borrowed a phone from a friend to use for now.”

So there’s a repair shop at Xianxian’s school gate. Fang Daiyu noted the useful information and added: “Borrowing from a friend isn’t great; they might need to use it. I have several spare phones at my place. I’ll bring one to you tomorrow.”

Thinking of seeing Fang Daiyu so soon, Lin Xian quickly refused: “No need! This is her old phone she doesn’t need for now. Besides, you have to work.”

Since Lin Xian was unwilling, Fang Daiyu didn’t push it, though her wish to see the “kid” as soon as possible was thwarted.

So, Fang Daiyu shifted the topic to today’s Mid-Autumn Festival: “Did the school give out mooncakes? Happy Mid-Autumn Festival, Xianxian. Being alone in Beijing during the festival is especially lonely.”

She was hinting at a meeting again.

Lin Xian thought Fang Daiyu was just being caring and replied happily: “I’m fine, don’t worry about me. I invited friends over for hotpot today; they’re all at my place right now. It happens to be my birthday, so it’s a reason for everyone to get together.”

Opposite the glass skylight, the city’s night view was in full display. Fang Daiyu had a reservation at a Western restaurant. The girl who was supposed to be sitting across from her couldn’t be reached, so she ended up bringing a friend instead.

The friend was currently eating heartily and praising Fang Daiyu for being such a good friend.

And that little girl she couldn’t reach… was having a happy party with her friends? A birthday party? Even though her phone fell in water today?

Not only did her phone have water in it, the girl’s head must have water in it too.

Though Fang Daiyu had been single her whole life, she had seen most of her friends in relationships.

For a major event like a birthday, you don’t notify your partner?

Fang Daiyu was jealous. She was envious. She was dissatisfied just thinking about these so-called friends who could spend Mid-Autumn and a birthday with Lin Xian.

Fang Daiyu suppressed her anger: “I see~”

Fang Daiyu’s voice was very calm, even a bit too gentle: “Remember to eat well, Xianxian. If you’re with friends, take good care of everyone. Go play for now. We’ll talk tonight.”

That was exactly what Lin Xian was thinking; she couldn’t leave her good friends hanging on her birthday. She had been anxious only because of her identity as a girlfriend. Since her girlfriend wasn’t angry and was so understanding, she followed the lead: “Okay! Little Daiyu should find a friend for dinner too. Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!”

Fang Daiyu: “I am eating with a friend right now.”

Lin Xian: “That’s great, me too! We are practically telepathic!”

Fang Daiyu’s friend looked up: “Daiyu, why do you look so terrible? Do you have a fever?”

Fang Daiyu shook her head.

She replied to Lin Xian: “Yes. Go eat now.”

Lin Xian happily put down her phone and entered the living room with the excitement and satisfaction of a young girl in love.

Ugh, I’m so happy. How did I find such a lovely, wonderful, and generous girlfriend? And we’re so in sync—it must be fate.

Fang Daiyu waited for a few minutes. Not receiving a reply, she was certain Lin Xian had really gone back to play.

Fang Daiyu tapped the table. Her friend, with half a steak in her mouth, looked up.

Fang Daiyu: “I remember your family has kids, right? How do you discipline them?”