TNSFC – Chapter 63

Que Yining thought Jiang Xiaowan would take her back to that bar, but Jiang Xiaowan chose a different place.

She found a quiet bar with a nice atmosphere, very suitable for chatting.

Que Yining sat with her in a booth at the very back and ordered a drink.

“I know what you want to hear. Let me gather my thoughts; it’s been a long time, and I don’t remember much.”

Jiang Xiaowan ordered a drink and was tapping on her phone screen.

Que Yining: “Are you sure it was Que Chuling?”

“How could that be false? I wouldn’t lie to you. But it’s quite strange, don’t you know about your own family’s affairs?”

Jiang Xiaowan raised an eyebrow, retorting. She had assumed Que Yining knew, which was why she gave that reminder tonight.

“My relationship with her has never been good. She wouldn’t tell me this kind of thing.”

Que Yining didn’t hide the curiosity on her face, making it seem like simple gossip.

“Alright, I asked someone who still remembers this. It’s not actually complicated. Que Chuling was quite well-known in the scene back then. She had long hair at the time. After appearing for less than half a year, she said she had a partner…”

Jiang Xiaowan had known her sexual orientation since she was sixteen and entered the scene somewhat playfully. With her privileged family background and good looks, she gradually became a top figure in the Lu Su lesbian community. However, she remembered Que Chuling because the latter was a long-haired, very masculine lesbian. Those who had been with her said she was skilled, but Jiang Xiaowan wasn’t into her type, so they never interacted.

Que Chuling was active in the lesbian scene for half a year, then announced she had a partner. She was very public with her affection, appearing very happy. When friends from the scene asked, she openly admitted that the person she liked was initially straight, but after pursuing her for many years, she finally won her over.

“But it seems not long after, maybe half a year? Or a bit more? I don’t remember clearly. They seemed to have broken up. Que Chuling went drinking with people, saying that while that person was with her, she was also involved with another man.”

Jiang Xiaowan sighed. This was the tragedy of falling for a straight woman. You might be head over heels for them, but they could get tired of you in an instant, leave you, and go off to get married and have children.

“At the time, everyone in the scene who knew about it sighed. After all, the happier she had seemed when showing off her relationship, the more painful the subsequent slap in the face was. And after that incident, Que Chuling cut her hair short and wasn’t very active anymore.”

Jiang Xiaowan recounted everything she could from her limited memory. The matter wasn’t actually complicated; it could have been explained in a few words over the phone or in person. But Jiang Xiaowan insisted on meeting up for a couple of drinks.

“Do you remember the name of the woman who cheated on her?”

Que Yining guessed it was Jiao Shanyue. The minor details matched up. Jiao Shanyue and Que Chuling had been good friends for many years, yet Jiao Shanyue ended up being Que Linyang’s mistress.

Although it was unknown whether Jiao Shanyue was a willing participant or not, her involvement with a man was a solid fact. From Que Chuling’s perspective, the other party must have been willing.

Discovering that the girlfriend she had loved for many years had become her adoptive brother’s mistress was indeed a devastating blow. If that was the case, Que Chuling should have been very hostile towards Que Linyang. However, in the original owner’s limited memory, there was no impression of them being disrespectful to each other.

But it was hard to say. Although the Que family’s situation seemed transparent at first glance, upon closer examination, it felt like a bottomless abyss.

“I don’t remember,” Jiang Xiaowan said, shrugging. In fact, she didn’t even know the woman’s name, let alone remember it. “What else do you want to know? Feel free to ask. I know a lot of gossip and secrets from this scene.”

“Then do you know if my sister has a partner now?”

Que Yining pondered for a moment before asking. She didn’t directly mention Hou Manni’s name. The other party was a married woman and, along with Que Linyang, was considered a model couple in their social circle. It was unlikely she would be involved in the lesbian scene. Besides, given Jiang Xiaowan’s personality, if she knew her sister-in-law was also part of the scene, she would definitely have gossiped about it with her.

“I’m not sure about that, but I can ask around for you. However, why are you so concerned about your sister’s private life?”

Jiang Xiaowan was indeed a bit puzzled by this. After all, Que Yining didn’t seem like a particularly curious person, nor would she use someone’s sexual orientation against them, especially since Que Yining herself, though not currently in the scene, was pursuing a woman.

“There are some things I want to know.”

Que Yining looked at the drink the bartender served, caressing the cool surface of the glass.

She actually wanted to know most about Que Linyang, but he was a cautious person, and his actions seemed meticulous and flawless.

Lin Zhen had previously tailed Que Linyang for a whole month and found that Que Linyang either went to the company, attended social engagements, or went home. He really seemed like a man who practiced what he preached and maintained a clean image. But Que Yining always felt it wasn’t that simple.

However, there was an exception. During the month of surveillance, Lin Zhen discovered that Que Linyang went to a golf course to play almost every week, ranging from once to four times a week.

Lin Zhen naturally investigated that golf course but didn’t find anything unusual.

Que Yining recalled the employee who had disappeared from the company earlier. Although there was no evidence pointing to Que Linyang’s involvement, Que Yining still suspected him. But it was only suspicion; she still needed proof.

“It seems like something very important.”

Jiang Xiaowan looked at her somewhat dazed expression and took a sip from her glass.

By the time Que Yining finished her drink, Jiang Xiaowan had also received some news.

“I asked around, and no one seems to know much. Even if there is someone, they’re probably not active in the scene. Looks like I can’t help you find out anything.”

“Thank you very much already. Tonight’s drinks are on me. I’ll treat you to a meal next time I’m free.”

Que Yining stood up and picked up her jacket from the sofa.

“Not bringing your special someone along for a meal?”

“I’ll remember this favor. But don’t say such things in front of her. Don’t ruin things for me.”

Que Yining’s attitude was very clear. She knew Jiang Xiaowan was a smart person. Since her worst side had already been shown to this “sister,” Que Yining didn’t bother pretending with her anymore.

“You’re truly heartless,” Jiang Xiaowan said, looking at her resentfully, and stood up with her. “You know I came here interested in you. Not only do I not get a chance now, but I also have to help you keep it a secret?”

“You won’t get anything from me.”

Que Yining flicked her long hair and smiled at Jiang Xiaowan, her eyes curving, looking utterly captivating.

Jiang Xiaowan was momentarily dazed by her smile and said teasingly.

“Then remember, if you get hurt, I’ll still be here to play with you. Any position is fine.”

“That day will never come.”

Que Yining walked ahead, her voice dissipating into the air.

She had no interest whatsoever in various positions with Jiang Xiaowan; she only wanted various positions with Gu Shanxue.

After leaving the quiet bar, Que Yining sent a message to Gu Shanxue, asking if she had found out anything.

Gu Shanxue simply replied that she had some leads and then didn’t respond further.

Que Yining was currently walking along the street. She had already called Zhang Shiyu to pick her up.

She looked at the chat history with Gu Shanxue on her screen, somewhat unsure of what to say.

Although she said she wouldn’t give up and often messaged Gu Shanxue, she was now hesitating about the right approach, what level of contact was appropriate.

If Gu Shanxue kept her distance, Que Yining would have no way to create opportunities. Moreover, she was very worried that if she revealed her feelings again, Gu Shanxue might retreat even further.

She didn’t want the other person to dislike her, yet she wanted to continuously move her. What was the most appropriate way to do this?

But obediently being a simp wasn’t Que Yining’s style. She pressed her forehead in frustration, feeling like she wasn’t the theoretical love genius she thought she was.

Que Yining stopped walking and waited at the location she had sent to Zhang Shiyu.

Qiao Yuchu called. Que Yining put the phone to her ear, waiting for her to speak.

“Honey, how was your night? I heard you agreed to go out drinking with the beautiful Jiang? Was your heart stirred by her even a little?”

Que Yining: “Not at all.”

Qiao Yuchu: “Huh? So heartless? Jiang Xiaowan has conquered a hundred hearts in the lesbian scene! I heard dating her is especially unforgettable. How come her charm doesn’t work on you?”

Que Yining: “Not suitable. Don’t introduce anyone to me next time. But she’s good as a friend.”

“Alright, alright, I get it. You’re still hung up on your ‘flower on a high peak.’ I’ve figured it out; you probably just like it when people are aloof and ignore you.”

Qiao Yuchu thought for a moment. Her dear friend had only liked two people. Although their genders were different, their demeanor was quite similar—both were the type to keep others at arm’s length. Perhaps this was what sparked a desire to conquer?

Que Yining didn’t refute it. After all, it was useless to say anything. Her feelings for Gu Shanxue weren’t about conquest but admiration, a complex emotion intertwined with infatuation and affection that Que Yining couldn’t clearly explain to Qiao Yuchu.

“I called to tell you that mid-next month, a small town nearby will have its annual fireworks display. It’ll be very lively. I originally wanted to recommend you and the beautiful Jiang go, but now, you can invite whoever you want.”

Que Yining chuckled lightly. “Got it, thanks.”

Que Yining looked at the chat window but didn’t quickly share this news with Gu Shanxue.

Zhang Shiyu soon arrived in her car to pick her up. When she got home, Que Yining first had a video conference. By the time she finished, it was already midnight.

This night seemed particularly special. Just as Que Yining was about to go to sleep, she received another message from Xiaoxiao.

【Youngest Aunt, can you come pick me up? It’s so dark at home, and I’m scared all by myself.】

Que Yining immediately sat up in bed and called her.

“Youngest Aunt.”

Xiaoxiao’s clear voice came through the phone, tinged with a bit of timidity.

“I’m here. What’s wrong, Xiaoxiao? Are you home alone?”

Que Yining put on her shoes, stood up, and picked out some clothes from the wardrobe.

“Mm… Dad and Mom aren’t home, and Grandma Song also left for something. I’m all alone at home. The lights broke for some reason, and I’m a little scared.”

Grandma Song was the maid who took care of Xiaoxiao at Que Linyang’s house. Xiaoxiao spoke in a small voice, which trembled slightly.

It would be strange if the little girl wasn’t scared, being all alone in such a large villa.

“Okay, wait for me. I’ll come pick you up right now.”

Que Yining changed her clothes, grabbed her keys, and went out.

Fortunately, she had previously arranged for the car from the bar to be driven home. Que Yining didn’t delay and drove to Que Linyang’s house as quickly as possible, then called her.

Que Yining waited for quite a while before Xiaoxiao opened the door.

“Youngest Aunt!”

Xiaoxiao ran out and hugged Que Yining’s leg. Que Yining took her hand and led her to the car.

“Your dad and mom, why did they go out?”

“They were arguing again.”

Xiaoxiao sat in the passenger seat, fiddling with the hem of her dress.

If the lights at home hadn’t suddenly gone out tonight, Xiaoxiao would have locked herself in her room and slept with the lights on, just like before.

“Why were they arguing?”

Que Yining asked casually while driving, turning the steering wheel at an intersection.

“Because Mom said Dad went to play ball again, and Dad said Mom also went out. Then they said a lot more, I couldn’t hear clearly. Youngest Aunt, why would Mom be unhappy because Dad went to play ball? I looked it up, and golf doesn’t seem like a bad thing.”

Xiaoxiao rarely spoke, sometimes going a whole day without saying a word. But she had an inexplicable sense of trust in Que Yining and was willing to talk to her.

“Golf itself isn’t bad, but maybe the people he plays with aren’t good.”

Que Yining remembered Lin Zhen’s previous investigation report stating that Que Linyang went to a golf club every week, and she mentally marked it as important.

Although Lin Zhen hadn’t found anything on this golf club before, since Hou Manni argued with Que Linyang about it, it meant that place must be unusual.

Xiaoxiao hummed as if she partly understood, then continued to silently fiddle with the corner of her clothes.

Que Yining brought Xiaoxiao back to her own home. The little girl, visiting for the first time, seemed curious about the place, looking around before obediently sitting in Que Yining’s bedroom.

Xiaoxiao had already bathed. She didn’t seem to have any pajamas and was hugging a throw pillow from Que Yining’s bed, gazing out the window.

Que Yining sent a message to Lin Zhen, hoping he could investigate the golf club again, this time more thoroughly, as it might lead to different findings.

Lin Zhen replied with an “OK.” Que Yining first transferred a deposit to him.

After doing all this, Que Yining lay down on the bed, lifted the covers, and patted the bed, inviting Xiaoxiao.

Xiaoxiao smiled, her exquisitely featured face looking utterly adorable with the lively expression.

The next day was a workday. Logically, Xiaoxiao, as a second-grade elementary school student, should have gone to school.

But Que Yining completely forgot about this and slept with the little girl until nine in the morning.

After waking up, Que Yining discovered several missed calls on her phone and called back.

She was immediately met with a scolding. Hou Manni seemed a bit angry. Que Yining waited for her to finish before starting to explain.

She simply mentioned the dark house last night and Xiaoxiao’s fear, without saying much more.

“I see… Then you should have called us next time. This morning, your brother and I were extremely worried, thinking something had happened to Xiaoxiao. It was only when we checked the surveillance footage that we saw you had picked her up, and then we felt relieved.”

“This morning? It seems, Sister-in-law, that you and Big Brother didn’t come home last night?”

Que Yining caught the words in her sentence and asked with a playful tone.

Hou Manni seemed unwilling to reveal anything and hastily brushed it off with a work excuse.

After Que Yining said she would take Xiaoxiao to school, Hou Manni hung up.

“Xiaoxiao, do you want to go to school this morning?”

The little girl sat on the bed with messy hair and shook her head at Que Yining.

“Alright, then Youngest Aunt will take you to school this afternoon. Do you want to come to work with Youngest Aunt later and have some fun?”

“Mhm!”

Xiaoxiao nodded, her expression showing some happiness.

Que Yining asked Zhang Shiyu to buy a set of clothes for a nine-year-old girl from a store when she came, then washed up with Xiaoxiao and braided the little girl’s hair.

Que Yining was skilled with her hands; whether it was makeup or hairstyling, she was very adept. She gave the little girl a beautiful hairstyle and took her to work.

Que Yining didn’t expect to run into Gu Shanxue in the elevator. She pressed the button to open the closing elevator doors, and her eyes met Gu Shanxue’s.

“Good morning, Shanxue.”

Que Yining never stingy with her smiles in front of Gu Shanxue, smiling brightly and captivatingly.

Gu Shanxue’s heart involuntarily tightened. Her gaze flitted nervously to the side, right into the curious eyes of the little girl Que Yining was holding.

“This is my little niece, Xiaoxiao. Xiaoxiao, this is Youngest Aunt Gu.”

“Hello, Youngest Aunt Gu.”

Xiaoxiao greeted her obediently. Faced with a child, Gu Shanxue momentarily didn’t know what expression to wear. She tried her best to look gentle and nodded at Xiaoxiao.

Once Gu Shanxue had stepped out of the elevator, Xiaoxiao asked curiously.

“Youngest Aunt, why do I have to call that auntie ‘Youngest Aunt Gu’? Is she also Dad’s younger sister?”

Xiaoxiao tilted her head up and asked curiously.

“No, she’s someone Youngest Aunt likes, but Youngest Aunt hasn’t won her over yet. But calling her that is definitely not wrong. Sooner or later, she’ll become Xiaoxiao’s Youngest Aunt Gu too.”

Que Yining bent down and patted Xiaoxiao’s head.

“Mhm!”

Xiaoxiao nodded without question, thinking her Youngest Aunt was right.

Her Youngest Aunt was so beautiful, it was impossible for anyone not to like her Youngest Aunt!

Gu Shanxue, who had already exited the elevator, only belatedly realized the implication of the address Que Yining had her little niece use as she walked to her office.

Generally speaking, she should have been called ‘Auntie,’ right?

Que Yining had her little niece address her like that. Could it be…

Gu Shanxue’s heart suddenly skipped a beat, a strange, indescribable ache mixed with anticipation welling up.

She had thought Que Yining no longer liked her.

If everything went back to how it was… The corners of Gu Shanxue’s mouth couldn’t help but curve up slightly. But upon noticing this sliver of secret joy, Gu Shanxue’s mood then sank.

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