My Straight Girlfriend with Skin Hunger Syndrome - Chapter 110
Chapter 110
From every conceivable angle, taking them along was inevitable.
Given Ying Yuan and Yi Shanshan’s newly-together, hopelessly clingy state, separating them would require more mental fortitude than simply enduring their constant displays of affection.
Qi Hongyue sighed deeply, turned, and said, “Let’s go.”
“Yay!” Yi Shanshan called from behind, tugging Ying Yuan forward to catch up and insisting on walking beside her.
“Senior, you’ve been working so hard all summer. Didn’t you get to have any fun at all?” Her voice was saccharine, but the insinuation was clear.
Qi Hongyue: “No.”
Yi Shanshan: “Senior, you’re just too tense! You set such high standards for yourself. Sure, your career will be even more successful that way, but you’ll miss out on so much joy~”
Qi Hongyue: “Work itself brings me plenty of joy.”
Yi Shanshan: “But I think you looked even happier that night at the bar!”
Qi Hongyue: “……”
So that’s what this is about, she thought.
Qi Hongyue glanced at Ying Yuan, a cold smile twisting her lips.
Ying Yuan awkwardly shifted her gaze, her ears, hidden beneath her hair, flushing crimson.
Yi Shanshan continued, “It was rare to see Senior like that—so relaxed, so alive. She was way more captivating than she usually is at work.”
Qi Hongyue: “…Thank you.”
Yi Shanshan: “No need to thank me! I should be thanking you, Senior Qi. If you hadn’t taken Ying Yuan to that lesbian bar, I never would’ve realized she was gay. And if I hadn’t realized she was gay, I wouldn’t have realized I was gay either. And if I hadn’t realized I was gay, Ying Yuan and I wouldn’t be together. And if we weren’t together, I would’ve missed out on the happiest thing in the world~”
Qi Hongyue: “…Congratulations.”
Yi Shanshan tightened her grip on Ying Yuan’s arm, beaming. “According to the internet, you’ll have to sit at the head table at our wedding, Senior!”
Qi Hongyue clenched her fist. “…That’s how it should be.”
Yi Shanshan tilted her head. “By the way, Senior, how did you realize you were gay? Have you ever had a girlfriend before?”
Qi Hongyue: “……”
“Ahem.” Ying Yuan finally intervened, gently touching the back of Yi Shanshan’s hand. “Shanshan, are you thirsty?”
Yi Shanshan nodded.
Ying Yuan twisted open her water bottle and asked, “Anything you’d like to eat? Senior and I don’t need a fancy place for work, so you can pick whatever you’re in the mood for.”
Yi Shanshan hopped forward and looked at Qi Hongyue. “Really, Senior? Is that okay with you, Senior?”
Qi Hongyue walked out the door, hailed a taxi, and climbed into the front passenger seat without hesitation. “Sure, that’s fine.”
Of course it’s fine, she thought. It’d be best if I could just stuff food in your mouth to keep you quiet.
“Alrighty!” Yi Shanshan squeezed in next to Ying Yuan in the back seat and gave the driver the address.
“This teahouse is quiet and peaceful—perfect for relaxing and work discussions,” she explained to Ying Yuan, her eyes crinkling with a smile. “There’s a restaurant right next door with excellent local specialties. It’s easy to get to, reasonably priced, and perfect for hosting Canxing’s executives tonight. Plus, it saves us extra trips.”
“Wow, Shanshan, you know so much~” Ying Yuan exclaimed.
“Of course~” Yi Shanshan leaned over and rubbed her shoulder against Ying Yuan’s. “Eating, drinking, and having fun are my specialties! I’ll take you out and show you around properly sometime!”
“Sounds great!” Ying Yuan replied.
Qi Hongyue: “……”
Qi Hongyue silently pulled out her phone and looked up the restaurant Yi Shanshan had mentioned.
To her surprise, My Lady’s “mid-range spending” actually meant mid-range—not just mid-range for someone in her social class.
Qi Hongyue could easily afford this meal; it fell comfortably within her budget.
A flicker of emotion stirred within her. Qi Hongyue glanced up at the rearview mirror.
In the mirror’s limited field of view, Yi Shanshan and Ying Yuan were pressed close together. The look in Shanshan’s eyes, fixed on Ying Yuan, was brimming with joy, delight, and affection.
Boldly, passionately, and eagerly, Shanshan flaunted her affection to the world. She genuinely believed that dating Ying Yuan was a beautiful and precious thing.
Qi Hongyue had never received such love.
Perhaps their ending might truly be different from hers.
Qi Hongyue smiled, thinking Ying Yuan was truly a lucky girl.
The car reached its destination, and Qi Hongyue lifted out her suitcase.
Ying Yuan rushed to her side, her face flushed. “Senior, I’ll take it… I’ll take it…”
Qi Hongyue nudged her with an elbow. “Go take care of your princess.”
Shutting her up was better than anything else.
The teahouse was indeed exquisite. While the princess might be willful, her taste was impeccable.
Lush bamboo thrived in the courtyard, its verdant canopy contrasting with the textured, pale gray brick walls.
The private room boasted impeccable soundproofing and immaculate cleanliness. In addition to a tea table, it even featured a dedicated workstation.
Yi Shanshan stretched languidly as she entered, then flopped onto the chaise lounge. “You guys chat first. I’m gonna take a nap~”
Qi Hongyue: “……”
Qi Hongyue: “Aren’t you part of the project too? You’re not going to participate in the discussion?”
“I am participating,” Yi Shanshan mumbled, her eyes half-closed, pointing to her ears. “I’m listening. I’ll chime in when I have ideas or suggestions~”
Ying Yuan scurried around the room, finding the most comfortable pillow for Yi Shanshan to rest her head on. She then quickly retrieved a long coat from her suitcase and draped it over Yi Shanshan, worried she’d catch a cold from the air conditioning.
Qi Hongyue: “……”
Yi Shanshan pouted playfully. “Babe, I want to hold your hand while I sleep~~”
Ying Yuan shifted her chair, positioning herself so that her arm could reach out perfectly for Yi Shanshan to hold her hand.
Yi Shanshan gripped Ying Yuan’s fingers tightly, closing her eyes contentedly. “Hehe.”
Ying Yuan turned to Qi Hongyue and whispered, “Shanshan has been… really working hard lately…”
Qi Hongyue: “……”
What kind of “working hard” are you talking about??? Is traveling exhausting? Is dating exhausting? Is being doted on by you exhausting???
Or is it…?
Qi Hongyue’s mind drifted to certain things. She frowned at Ying Yuan, realizing they were likely thinking the same blush-inducing thoughts.
How mortifying.
Both women quickly averted their eyes.
Qi Hongyue pulled out her notebook. “Let’s get started. We need a significant upgrade to the gameplay…”
Ying Yuan nodded. “Right. I’ve been considering several paths, including…”
They launched into a detailed discussion of game mechanics, listing points one through four in monotonous tones, like chanting sutras. The steady drone proved perfect white noise for Yi Shanshan to sleep by.
Clutching Ying Yuan’s finger, Yi Shanshan drifted into a peaceful slumber.
The fragrant aroma of tea lingered in the room, making this quiet summer afternoon pass quite pleasantly.
When Yi Shanshan woke again, the sun had already set.
Twilight deepened, the scene beyond the diamond-patterned window frame fading into the distance.
Yi Shanshan yawned widely, and as she raised her hand, she realized Ying Yuan’s fingers were still clasped in her palm. She exclaimed in surprise, “Eh?”
Ying Yuan sat in the chair, leaning sideways to gaze down at her. Her voice was gentle and calm as she asked, “You’re awake? Are you thirsty?”
The room was unlit, leaving the twilight’s hues to illuminate Ying Yuan’s features.
It feels like a dream, Yi Shanshan thought. Even dreams aren’t this beautiful.
Yi Shanshan laughed. “Are you a teapot? You keep asking if I’m thirsty!”
“I could be,” Ying Yuan replied. With her free hand, she casually retrieved a cup of tea—neither too hot nor too cold. “I could be your water cup, or your rice bowl… It’s so easy to get dehydrated in summer. Here, rehydrate a bit…”
“Oh.” Yi Shanshan sat up and obediently drank the cup of tea from Ying Yuan’s hand.
Refreshing, subtly fragrant… It tastes really good.
She glanced around the room. “Where’s Qi Hongyue?”
“She stepped out to take a call,” Ying Yuan replied.
“There’s something I need to say right now~” Yi Shanshan sat up completely, leaning close to Ying Yuan’s ear. “You’re still my bed~”
The warmth of her breath tickled Ying Yuan’s ear.
This metaphor between them had a long history. Hearing it now was just a sweet, teasing remark.
“Mmm~” Ying Yuan murmured. “Okay.”
Yi Shanshan fluttered her eyelashes, their tips brushing against Ying Yuan’s cheek. “Since you’re being so good, I want to use you again right now…”
Ying Yuan’s ears flushed crimson, the blush spreading down her neck.
She turned her head and kissed the tip of Yi Shanshan’s nose.
“Too many times,” Ying Yuan said. “You need to rest.”
Yi Shanshan glanced at the time. “Then let’s rest for the length of a meal~”
Yi Shanshan: “Why don’t you stay here tonight?”
Yi Shanshan: “I won’t go home either~”
Yi Shanshan: “I have a house in B City too~ The one in the suburbs, no one’s there…”
A knock on the private room door interrupted the intimate atmosphere and conversation.
Yi Shanshan pulled back slightly from Ying Yuan, her gaze fixed on the door.
No one answered, but Qi Hongyue remained standing outside, without entering.
After a few seconds, another knock came.
Ying Yuan’s face flushed crimson as realization dawned. She immediately called out, “Senior Qi, please come in…”
Qi Hongyue pushed the door open, her gaze lowered. She only lifted her eyes when she reached the center of the room.
She set the fruit platter on the table and said, “I’ve compiled the results of our discussion into a written proposal. Ying Yuan, you can also write down the expansion points you mentioned earlier. If tonight’s meeting goes well, we might be able to use them.”
“Okay,” Ying Yuan replied.
Yi Shanshan released Ying Yuan’s fingers and stood up.
She began pacing around the room, sipping tea, snacking on fruit, and idly scrolling through her phone.
Qi Hongyue’s keyboard clattered incessantly, while Ying Yuan quickly organized her notes on her phone.
Once her own task was finished, Ying Yuan leaned in close to Yi Shanshan and whispered, “Shanshan, what do you want for dinner tonight?”
“Do you need me to order?” Yi Shanshan asked.
“Mainly, I just want to make sure you eat well. We can secretly order your favorites…”
“Hehe, good point,” Yi Shanshan replied. “Then order your favorites too…”
Qi Hongyue: “……”
At 7:45 PM, the three moved from the tea room to the adjacent restaurant.
The meal had already been pre-ordered, sparing Qi Hongyue the trouble.
For this kind of dinner, she wasn’t concerned with who enjoyed the food most. As long as it met the client’s standards and wouldn’t negatively impact the partnership, it was acceptable.
At 7:50 PM, Qi Hongyue’s phone rang. The caller announced they had arrived downstairs.
Qi Hongyue rose to greet them. Yi Shanshan turned to Ying Yuan and said, “Wow, they’re right on time! One point for that.”
Ying Yuan nodded.
Yi Shanshan playfully suggested, “During dinner, for every point I give ‘Client Mommy,’ I’ll pinch your index finger. For every point deducted, I’ll pinch your middle finger. Keep a mental tally and tell me the final score later.”
Ying Yuan blinked in surprise. “Is… that even allowed?”
“Of course~” Yi Shanshan showed no nervousness about such things. “They get to judge us, so we get to judge them too. When we project confidence and an attitude of being the ones making the choice, they’ll realize… Oh, she’s worth choosing.”
Ying Yuan nodded. “That makes sense.”
Seeing Ying Yuan’s obedient demeanor, Yi Shanshan couldn’t resist leaning in to kiss her cheek. “Don’t worry,” she said. “If this doesn’t work out, we’ll find another one. And if all else fails, you’ve got me.”
It was truly strange.
From someone as lively, impulsive, and willful as Yi Shanshan, Ying Yuan unexpectedly felt a sense of security she had never experienced before.
“Okay,” Ying Yuan said with a smile. “You’re my Backup Mommy.”
Someone was coming up the stairs. Their voice arrived before their presence.
A crisp, cheerful voice, yet tinged with a lazy, languid tone: “This place is nice, huh? Soft colors, consistent style, no jarring additions or subtractions. The designer must be pleased…”
Yi Shanshan nudged Ying Yuan’s index finger. “Classy.”
Ying Yuan’s mental rating: 2 points.
As the person entered the room, Ying Yuan stood up, while Yi Shanshan merely shifted slightly in her seat.
Both women flashed polite, perfunctory smiles, but were met with a genuinely radiant grin.
This Client Mommy had long, wavy hair cascading down her shoulders, a meticulously tailored black dress, and striking features—pronounced cheekbones and thick, dark eyebrows. A touch of lipstick was all it took to highlight her vibrant energy and healthy complexion.
The moment she saw Ying Yuan and Yi Shanshan, she grinned, revealing eight teeth, including a surprisingly sharp fang.
“All cute little girls,” the woman remarked, turning to Qi Hongyue.
But she didn’t let that keep her from being warm. She stepped forward and extended her hand to the two girls. “Hello! I’m Wen Can.”
As Ying Yuan shook Wen Can’s right hand, Yi Shanshan frantically squeezed her left index finger.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8… Ying Yuan blushed, silently upping Wen Can’s score in her mind to a perfect 10.
There was no need to ask why this sudden surge in points had occurred. Yi Shanshan eagerly blurted out the answer herself:
“President Wen, you’re absolutely stunning!” she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling as she glanced at Wen Can, then at Qi Hongyue behind her. “Senior, where did you meet such a gorgeous and capable big sister?!”
Qi Hongyue: “……”
Wen Can smiled warmly. “That’s a long story,” she replied.
After shaking hands with Ying Yuan, she turned to Yi Shanshan, her eyebrow arching slightly. “But the most important thing is that our little Yue is just as beautiful and capable, you know.”
Little Yue.
Yi Shanshan: “!!!!”
Ying Yuan: “!”
Qi Hongyue: “…………”