My Straight Girlfriend with Skin Hunger Syndrome - Chapter 122

Chapter 122

Ying Yuan’s love for Yi Shanshan was the greatest gift she could have given to Yi Shanshan’s mother.

As the sun set and dusk deepened, Yi Shanshan sat by her mother’s grave, chatting quietly.

Lacking shared memories, Yi Shanshan could only speak of her feelings.

Among these feelings, what truly touched her were never fame or fortune, but the meticulous care and heartfelt joy she experienced.

The name “Ying Yuan, Ying Yuan” slipped from her lips repeatedly.

Ying Yuan’s heart trembled slightly as she listened to these light yet profound confessions. An overwhelming surge of strength and longing welled up within her chest.

She resolved to continue loving Yi Shanshan with all her might, determined to give her the most wonderful things in the world.

By the time they left the cemetery, it was late.

As they rode home, Yi Shanshan, exhausted from the day’s events, curled up in Ying Yuan’s arms and drifted peacefully to sleep.

Her phone rang again. Ying Yuan glanced at the screen—the contact was labeled “Yi Lei.”

Yi Shanshan’s brow furrowed impatiently. For the first time, Ying Yuan made a decision on her behalf, hanging up the call and silencing the phone.

Yi Shanshan had enjoyed a truly happy birthday.

The next day, Yi Shanshan bounced along as she accompanied Ying Yuan to work. She brought a mountain of snacks and drinks to Qi Hongyue, claiming it was to reward the hardworking young boss for working overtime over the holiday. In reality, she was subtly showing off, which so irritated Qi Hongyue that she pushed Yi Shanshan out of her office, shouting at Ying Yuan, “Why don’t you two take another day off? Give me some peace and quiet, okay?”

Yi Shanshan giggled with delight, reveling in Qi Hongyue’s exasperation.

Ying Yuan wrapped an arm around her shoulder and asked, “Did you find out what you wanted to know? What’s the situation between Senior and President Wen?”

“They’re very close business partners,” Yi Shanshan said, “but I sense some personal feelings there too. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have come all the way here just to have dinner together.”

“That makes sense,” Ying Yuan agreed.

“I’ve investigated Canxing thoroughly,” Yi Shanshan continued. “It’s a fairly independent new company, with no significant ties to my family’s business interests. Moreover, their legal team is surprisingly strong—a highly experienced group. They’re likely to win the lawsuit against Lin Feng.”

“That’s fantastic news!” Ying Yuan exclaimed.

“Shanshan, you’re amazing!” Ying Yuan praised.

Yi Shanshan smiled. “It’s all because of the trouble I caused. Now you’re just praising me for being ‘amazing.’ You need to communicate more with Qi Hongyue and tell me immediately if anything comes up.”

They both knew the unanswered calls weren’t good news.

The pressure weighed down on them little by little, but their unwavering resolve kept anxiety at bay.

“Alright,” Ying Yuan agreed, gently kneading the slender shoulder beneath her palm. “You’ve never been a burden to me.”

Two more uneventful days passed. The National Day holiday ended, and work and studies resumed their normal rhythm.

Qi Hongyue and Canxing’s collaboration continued smoothly, without any hiccups. Ying Yuan never imagined the first problem would arise on her end.

That evening, Ying Yuan didn’t work late at the office. She returned early to Faculty Residences to simmer the taro duck soup Yi Shanshan had requested.

Mao Mao suddenly called, saying someone was looking for her.

“What’s their name?” Ying Yuan asked.

“Uh…” Mao Mao hesitated.

The phone switched hands, and a familiar voice came through the line: “Ying Yuan, it’s me.”

“Mom!” Ying Yuan exclaimed in surprise. “What are you doing in City A?”

“I came… to see you.” Her mother’s voice didn’t sound happy. “Aren’t you staying in the dorm?”

Having already gained ample experience in dealing with dormitory inspections, Ying Yuan and her roommates had long since prepared for such a situation. Without needing explicit instructions, Mao Mao and Xiaohan would never reveal Ying Yuan’s true whereabouts to anyone who came looking for her.

To cover her tracks, Ying Yuan only needed to turn off the stove and immediately return to her dorm.

But the soup in the pot bubbled rhythmically, its heat and fragrance permeating the kitchen like a truth too long suppressed, now spilling outward.

Inspired by Yi Shanshan, Ying Yuan was determined to be brave, to face her problems head-on.

“Yes, Mom,” she admitted frankly. “I’m not staying in the dorm.”

Her mother’s voice trembled with panic, burning like a flame. “Where are you right now?”

“Not far,” Ying Yuan replied. “Sit tight for a moment, and I’ll come get you.”

“Ying Yuan, your father’s here too. He’s downstairs,” her mother said.

A premonitory chill settled in Ying Yuan’s throat. “Okay.”

She had always been a good girl, excelling in her studies. Apart from mandatory award ceremonies at school, her parents had never come to see her for any other reason.

And now, they had crossed the city without even calling ahead, despite how easily they could have contacted her.

They weren’t here to see her; they were here to confirm something.

Ying Yuan turned down the heat, took off her apron, and hurried downstairs.

Her steps were brisk, her resolve unwavering.

Her mother hadn’t waited long. She and her father were waiting for Ying Yuan in a discreet corner near the dorm building.

Ying Yuan approached them and cut straight to the point: “Dad, Mom, I’ve been living off-campus most of the time. There’s food simmering in the kitchen right now—let’s go over there.”

Her parents stared at her, their eyes mirroring each other: astonishment, worry, and a hidden shame too profound to voice aloud.

With people bustling around, they didn’t want to linger. They began walking forward.

Ying Yuan stayed close beside them, her heart pounding despite her calm facade as she briefly explained her situation:

“In the first half of this year, I joined a startup project at school to develop a game targeted at women. The project went really well, and the senior leading it started a small company. We began commercializing the game.

“It’s a lot of work. I’m mainly responsible for programming and gameplay design. After classes, I go to the company to work. Dad, Mom, don’t worry—I haven’t neglected my studies. And I’m getting paid for the work.

“It’s busy, but I’m really enjoying it.”

A glimmer of hope appeared in her mother’s eyes. She asked, “So, you’re living off-campus because of this project?”

“That’s part of it,” Ying Yuan said, her fingertips curling slightly. “But it’s not the main reason.”

Mom: “……”

Dad: “……”

If they had asked just one more question, Ying Yuan would have told them everything.

But the campus buzzed with students and teachers. Her parents clamped their mouths shut, not uttering another word.

Ying Yuan’s footsteps landed in sync with her racing heartbeat. She had no choice but to continue laying the groundwork herself.

“A lot has happened this year. I’ve grown a lot. Overall, I feel like things are trending in a completely positive direction. I’ve discovered so many new things, gained valuable experience, and even set some goals…”

The autumn wind rustled through the trees, dislodging loose leaves that swirled down in spirals, settling around the trio with a soft rustle.

Three similar faces, calm yet tinged with worry.

They reached the Faculty Residences. Dad scanned the surroundings, his brow furrowing even deeper.

Inside the empty elevator, Mom finally couldn’t resist asking, “This place is so close to the academic buildings, and the amenities are so good… the rent must be astronomical, right?”

Ying Yuan: “……”

Forcing herself to speak, she said, “It’s my friend’s place. They haven’t asked me for rent.”

“Even the closest friends shouldn’t take advantage like this,” Mom said. “You can contribute less, but you have to contribute something. Otherwise, resentment will fester later.”

“Mom, this is Shanshan’s apartment,” Ying Yuan replied.

Mom fell silent.

“She stayed with us during summer vacation. We’re very close, and she doesn’t mind. I’ll cover part of the living expenses,” Ying Yuan added.

Mom remained silent.

Of course they remembered Yi Shanshan.

No one could easily forget Yi Shanshan.

It was precisely because Yi Shanshan was so unforgettable that this situation felt so absurd, unbelievable, and utterly ridiculous.

The elevator reached their floor. At the apartment door, Ying Yuan unlocked it with her fingerprint.

Her parents followed stiffly behind, their gazes lingering inside the apartment without taking a single step.

Ying Yuan fetched guest slippers. “Come in,” she said. “Shanshan’s not here. She’s at the library, researching for an assignment.”

Only then did they step inside.

The apartment was spacious and cozy, impeccably clean, with fresh flowers in a vase on the table blooming in full glory.

The aroma from the kitchen wafted into the living room, where a warm yellow floor lamp illuminated an open laptop on the coffee table.

Ying Yuan went into the kitchen to adjust the heat and brought out a glass of water.

Neither parent sat down. Dad remained standing in the entryway, his brow furrowed as he surveyed the room. Mom stared at the vase of flowers on the table and suddenly said, “That day, Shanshan bought flowers for our home too.”

“Mm…” Ying Yuan replied softly, no longer hiding her feelings. A tender, almost otherworldly light filled her eyes. “She loves flowers—all things lovely and beautiful.”

Mom’s head snapped up. “So you two are close friends, right? Besties? It’s normal to be close. We didn’t believe what others said. We came to you because we wanted to hear it from you…”

“Mom, we were just friends at first,” Ying Yuan said, her lashes drooping before she lifted her gaze to meet her parents’ eyes. “But now… we’re together. We’re a couple. I love her deeply, and I’ll do everything I can to stay with her forever.”

The glass of water nearly slipped from Mom’s trembling hand, and she staggered.

Dad glared at Ying Yuan, his expression a mix of disappointment and exasperation. He clapped his hands together, his voice laced with frustration and helplessness. “How could you do this?!”

“Mom, Dad, I’ve always liked girls. Always. I didn’t tell you before because I didn’t think it was necessary, and I didn’t want to upset you. Now that you know, I’m not asking you to accept it. I just want to say that I’ll do my best to manage my life well. Please don’t worry.”

Ying Yuan felt that their family had always been this way.

Though they were family, their relationships weren’t particularly close. Each member was busy with their own affairs, independent and self-reliant. They offered support when needed, but otherwise, as long as no laws or rules were broken, they didn’t interfere with each other’s lives.

This upbringing had contributed to Ying Yuan’s emotional stability and rational approach to life. Growing up in such an environment had shielded her from excessive emotional influences. Now, she hoped her parents could clear their minds, as they had always done, and avoid causing too much harm.

But tears had already welled up in her mother’s eyes. Lowering her gaze, she said, “How can we not worry… You… You’re not normal…”

Ying Yuan replied, “It’s normal, just less common.”

Her father demanded, “What will you do in the future? Will you stay like this forever? Never marry? Never have children?”

Ying Yuan explained, “We can get married abroad. We haven’t thought about children yet, but if we feel strongly about it when we’re older, we’ll consider adoption.”

“Childish!” Dad scoffed. “Where are you going to find a healthy child to adopt these days?”

“Being together was a deliberate decision. We don’t necessarily have to raise a child,” Ying Yuan replied calmly.

Dad: “……”

Mom: “……”

This was typical of their family’s communication style. When faced with deep disagreements, persuading each other was nearly impossible. They could only try to find a workable compromise.

Especially Ying Yuan.

Raised away from them since childhood, she had always been sensible, well-behaved, and remarkably independent. Now, the very thing they had worried about had finally happened, yet she stood before them, calm and composed, as steady as Mount Tai. You knew you couldn’t change her.

Nothing could threaten her, because they had given her so little.

“Why are we even talking about children? They’re still children themselves,” Mom interrupted, her thoughts drifting to sensitive matters that would make their faces burn with embarrassment.

She looked at her daughter and asked, “What about Shanshan? They said Shanshan isn’t like you. You… you…”

Mom couldn’t bring herself to say the word.

Ying Yuan’s eyebrows twitched slightly as she understood the unspoken word: “seduction.”

Ying Yuan: “…”

Ying Yuan: “I can’t claim to be entirely blameless, but we were genuinely drawn to each other.”

Ying Yuan: “If you’re worried that I influenced Shanshan, that she was… temporarily captivated… You can talk to her when she gets back. But please, don’t hurt her. She hasn’t done anything wrong.”

Mom: “…”

Dad: “…”

Dad covered his face with his hands and let out a muffled groan. He couldn’t bear to stay in the room any longer. With a wave of his hand, he strode out of the room. “You two talk… you two talk…”

The door swung open and closed behind him.

Ying Yuan turned to her mother. “Mom, you’ve met Shanshan. You know she’s a good girl.”

Ying Yuan: “Who told you these things? Did they say anything else?”

Her mother stood there dejectedly, as if all her strength had drained away.

She shuffled to a nearby chair and sank into it.

“Her father told us.”

Ying Yuan: “!!!!”

She never expected Yi Shanshan’s father—who had never explicitly acknowledged their relationship since discovering it—to go behind her back and confront her parents.

Didn’t he claim to disbelieve it? Didn’t he want to bury the news? One moment he was treating Yi Shanshan’s decision with condescension, like it was a child’s whim, and the next he was outing Ying Yuan to her parents.

A secret she wanted to share, he suppressed. A secret she wanted to keep hidden, he exposed.

If Ying Yuan’s relationship with her parents had been even slightly more conventional, if either of them had been emotionally volatile or quick-tempered, she shuddered to imagine the catastrophe this would have unleashed.

Having a stranger’s parent reveal your child’s sexuality and then blame her, as if she had committed some unspeakable transgression—sneaking to the guardians to tattle—it was beyond humiliating.

Ying Yuan fell silent.

Her mother looked up and said, “Xiaoyuan, Shanshan is a good girl, but her father is no simple man. He investigated our family thoroughly. He called your father’s business line, claiming he wanted to discuss a partnership, and lured us to his company.”

“In his office, he resorted to coercion and bribery—a slap followed by a sweet.”

Mom pulled a folder from her bag and handed it to Ying Yuan. “This letter of recommendation is from H University in Country M, with your name already filled in. It qualifies you for a full scholarship. There’s also a contract here—a deal his company wants us to sign.”

“Your father and I have discussed it. No matter what’s going on between you kids, we won’t sign this contract. We’ve been in business for years, and we know that any deal that starts with disrespect for the other party, without mutual benefit or a win-win situation, won’t last.”

“But this recommendation letter is truly invaluable. You’ve always been a bright student, and we should have sent you abroad for further studies long ago. But we never had the means.”

Mom pressed the folder into Ying Yuan’s arms. “This is your future—the choice is yours. If you decide to study abroad, don’t worry—your father and I will earn enough to cover your living expenses.”