Chapter 139: Love Is Like Flying a Kite

Dragon Fei felt an indescribable bitterness in his heart. Heaven above, were you really so blind as to let Ye Qian and Yang Danni stay at home? What was he to do now? It was utterly impossible to avoid the situation, and how could he possibly cover up the lie he had just told?

Suddenly, Ye Qian laughed softly, casting a glance at Dragon Fei that was filled with resentment, anger, and amusement all at once.

But Liu Ruoyi’s eyes darkened instantly. To her, there was no need for any explanations—Dragon Fei was clearly living with Ye Qian. So why had he invited her here? Was she truly being played as a second option? Not long ago, Dragon Fei and Ye Qian seemed to be constantly at odds; how had they suddenly started living together?

Unwilling to accept this reality, Liu Ruoyi hesitated several times before finally breaking the tense silence. “Why are you here?”

Of course, the question was directed at Ye Qian.

Ye Qian smiled faintly. “I’ve been living here for quite some time now; didn’t you know? Dragon Fei already agreed to be my boyfriend and insisted I move in. Sorry about that. Just please don’t tell the other classmates that I’m living here—thanks.”

Liu Ruoyi’s heart turned icy cold. If before she was only suspicious and disappointed, now she was utterly despairing. Since Ye Qian and Dragon Fei were already cohabiting, she had lost this battle of love before it had even truly begun. It felt like she had been cast aside before stepping onto the battlefield. Yes, it must have been during the days Dragon Fei returned from military training.

Seeing Liu Ruoyi’s face pale dramatically, Dragon Fei could hardly contain his frustration. He wished he could kill Ye Qian with his gaze, or at least kick her a few times. She must have done this on purpose—but how could she have known he’d be back today? How did she know to wait here?

“Well—there’s a reason for this, Ruoyi. Don’t believe her, you know she’s my cousin—” Dragon Fei stammered, struggling to explain. No matter how shameless he tried to be, this was a tough situation with no neat excuse. Everything was so clear, and Ye Qian seemed to have done this deliberately. Yet, she wasn’t exactly wrong; she was defending her own love. Was that wrong?

“Enough.” Liu Ruoyi cut him off sharply, her face dark. “Dragon Fei, I have things to do. I’m leaving.”

“No, Ruoyi, listen to me. You haven’t eaten yet.” Dragon Fei pleaded, trying to stop her, but Liu Ruoyi threw a handful of food at him before swiftly slipping into the elevator. As the doors closed, Dragon Fei was left at a loss. Heaven above, what am I to do?

“Stop staring; she’s gone,” Ye Qian sneered, returning to the couch and flipping channels with the remote. Her eyes were fixed on the TV, filled with a quiet hatred. She was clearly angry.

Dragon Fei shot Ye Qian a sharp glare but said nothing, instead moving to the kitchen. Yang Danni, seemingly oblivious to the tension outside, was cooking energetically. Upon seeing Dragon Fei, she smiled brightly. “You’re back! Hurry and wash your hands; dinner’s ready. I took time off work today just to cook for you. You’ll get to taste my cooking.”

Dragon Fei gave a bitter smile. Even if the legendary Tang Monk’s flesh were laid before him, he wouldn’t have an appetite. As he turned to leave, Yang Danni called after him, “What’s wrong? Did something happen?”

He shook his head but then asked, “How did you know I was coming back today?”

“Of course! Haha, Ye Qian told me so. We wanted to surprise you. Surprised?” Yang Danni chuckled.

“Surprised, of course,” Dragon Fei replied, though his tone lacked any real joy.

Watching his back, Yang Danni smiled. How could she not know what had happened outside? Ye Qian’s voice was louder than anyone’s; if she hadn’t heard, it would have been strange. But Yang Danni was smart—she knew exactly how to behave now. A wise woman like her knew that in love, no one could remain indifferent. She was facing two women, at least conservatively counting. Though she had said she didn’t care how many women Dragon Fei had and that as long as he didn’t abandon her, she didn’t need a title, when the situation truly arrived, she wouldn’t be foolish enough not to protect herself.

Standing before the TV, Dragon Fei and Ye Qian both wore grim expressions.

Unable to hold back any longer, Ye Qian nearly hurled the remote at Dragon Fei. Yet seeing his unusually dark expression, she stood up and locked eyes with him for a long moment before speaking. “Move aside. What are you doing?”

“I’m asking you—how did you know I was coming back today?” Dragon Fei demanded angrily.

Ye Qian was taken aback and snorted coldly. “What? You blame me for ruining your fun? You need to understand, I only wanted to surprise you with Sister Danni. Who knew you’d be bringing that vixen home? Tell me, are you trying to ruin someone else? You flirt around outside, then come back and snap at me? Are you even a man?”

“Don’t call her a vixen!” Dragon Fei snapped, though he felt a twinge of guilt. His relationship with Yang Danni had been confirmed, and he had promised Ye Qian to be her boyfriend and allowed her to live here. Secretly bringing Liu Ruoyi back did make him look like the philanderer Ye Qian accused him of being. He was clearly in the wrong, but Dragon Fei was not one to admit defeat. If he did now, he’d have no chance later—and he certainly didn’t want to be completely dominated by Ye Qian.

“What? Feeling sorry for her now? She seduced my boyfriend, humph!” Ye Qian sounded hurt, as if she wanted to burst into tears but held them back. She couldn’t cry in front of Dragon Fei like last time—he would only take pleasure in her pain now instead of comforting her.

Dragon Fei was speechless. The two glared at each other like roosters fighting before Dragon Fei stormed into his room and slammed the door.

Ye Qian collapsed onto the couch, burying her face as silent sobs shook her shoulders. She let her tears fall onto the sofa but made sure no sound escaped.

Standing at the kitchen door, Yang Danni watched Ye Qian’s heartbreak and felt a pang of guilt. She placed the dishes on the table and came over, gently patting Ye Qian’s shoulder. “Enough crying now. Come on, listen to your sister talk, okay?”

This coaxing didn’t discourage Ye Qian; instead, she seemed to find a confidante and threw herself into Yang Danni’s arms, sobbing loudly. The pitiful sound tugged at Yang Danni’s heart.

She didn’t say much, merely handing Ye Qian a tissue after she had cried enough. “You’re not a child anymore. Wipe your own tears.”

After composing herself, Ye Qian seemed a bit better. She obediently took the tissue and wiped her face. Glancing at Dragon Fei’s door, she didn’t feel ashamed to show such vulnerability in front of her rival. Instead, she spoke softly, tinged with worry and a hint of resentment, “Sister Danni, don’t you think Dragon Fei is wrong?”

Yang Danni nodded, though inwardly she did not believe Dragon Fei was truly at fault. She had long seen through the nature of love—finding a man who loved her as much as she loved him was already a blessing. She cherished it, even if Dragon Fei was a bit flirtatious, she didn’t mind.

“Sister Danni, do you think he hates me? Is it wrong to love him and want him?” Ye Qian asked earnestly, her sorrowful eyes shocking Yang Danni. Being several years older and having endured much pain for Dragon Fei herself, she could sense the depth of Ye Qian’s feelings. The eyes, after all, were the windows to the soul.

“No, you’re not wrong. If loving him were a mistake, I’d rather keep making that mistake. Maybe you think I’m happy now?” Yang Danni’s voice was tinged with sadness.

Ye Qian nodded solemnly. Yang Danni smiled faintly. “Yes, I am happy now because I know Dragon Fei loves me, and I love him. I don’t think about the future; I only cherish the present happiness. But do you know, I was once more miserable than you? Don’t laugh—I pursued him hard and was rejected for over a year. Honestly, even now, I’m the one who chased him. Maybe he saw how much I suffered emotionally, so he finally agreed to be with me. I’ve never told anyone this before, but I want you to know: loving someone isn’t wrong, but there are many ways to love. You just chose the wrong way.”

Ye Qian frowned. “My way is wrong?”

“Yes. Love is not possession; it is giving. Only by giving can you eventually possess. When you give, don’t expect immediate returns. Understand? Also, loving someone means giving them space, distance, and freedom to choose. You love him—whether he marries you or gives you a title is his concern, not yours. Trust me, even if he doesn’t say thank you, he remembers every bit of your love. I know him; he’s not heartless.”

Having opened her heart, Yang Danni no longer saw Ye Qian as a rival, at least not for now. As she said, both were just among many women in Dragon Fei’s life. How he treated them was his affair, not hers. So Yang Danni began to mentor Ye Qian in her own way.

Ye Qian thought for a moment and seemed to understand, her frown easing. “Oh, so you mean I shouldn’t control him so much?”

Yang Danni nodded.

“But you know, if we don’t keep an eye on him, he might become even more reckless. Then we won’t just have to deal with Liu Ruoyi. What do we do then?” Ye Qian worried.

Yang Danni laughed. “I’ve thought about that too. I want to control him, but I can’t. If I hold too tight, he might run away. Better to let him be. Like flying a kite—let him fly as high as he wants, but hold the string firmly. That’s how love lasts.”

“What if the kite string breaks?” Ye Qian’s eyes brightened, half understanding.

“That string is the bond between two people. If it breaks, it means you can no longer be together. He’s no longer your kite. Managing love is like flying a kite—letting go and reeling in, while preventing the string from snapping.” Yang Danni, like a seasoned love expert, spoke with clarity. Her metaphor was perfect.

The kite theory.

Seeing Ye Qian deep in thought, Yang Danni remained silent. After a while, Ye Qian smiled faintly and whispered, “Sister Danni, you’re amazing. Compared to you, I’m awful. I’ll learn from you and try to change my personality. And don’t worry—no matter how many women he has, we won’t be enemies anymore, okay?”

Yang Danni nodded. Turning foes into friends was the best outcome. Today’s effort hadn’t been in vain—she had lost a rival and gained an ally.

“But you’re wrong to think you’re not good enough. To me, you’re wonderful—pretty and lovely,” Yang Danni smiled.

“Sister Danni, you’re teasing me again. I’m too willful and spoiled. I like pranks, argue with him, and even try to hurt him in many ways. I don’t understand why I do these things to hurt him. Even now, I want to oppose him—it’s like that’s the only way I’m happy. Sister Danni, do you think I have psychological problems? Should I see a doctor?” Ye Qian frowned again.

“You’re silly. This is normal. Besides, don’t change. Maybe Dragon Fei likes your spoiled nature. I certainly do,” Yang Danni laughed.

“No way! Why would any man want a wife who argues with him all day?—Oh, Sister Danni, I’m just using a metaphor. I’m not saying I want to be his wife. Haha, don’t mind me.” Ye Qian hurriedly corrected herself.

“Even if he married you, it would be normal. Haven’t you seen that popular TV drama ‘My Savage Girlfriend’ and ‘I Love a Fierce Woman’? It shows that girls like you are exactly what men find attractive these days. Plus, you’re young and beautiful. Don’t worry. I believe Dragon Fei has feelings for you; otherwise, he wouldn’t have let you move in. If you quietly wait for him like I have, someday you’ll get the love you want. Let’s work hard together, okay?”

After speaking, Yang Danni reached out and firmly clasped Ye Qian’s hand. The alliance between the two women was officially forged.

“All right, let’s eat now.” Holding Ye Qian’s hand, Yang Danni acted like a caring elder sister, touching Ye Qian’s heart. She felt truly fortunate; how many rivals would treat her with such kindness and care?

“I can’t eat,” Ye Qian frowned. After everything that had happened, neither she nor Dragon Fei had any appetite.

“You worked hard all afternoon, and this meal was made just for you by your sister. Aren’t you going to eat?” Yang Danni insisted, pulling Ye Qian to the table.

Ye Qian glanced at Dragon Fei’s door. Yang Danni understood and smiled, “Don’t worry. I’ll definitely call him out.”

True to her word, Yang Danni coaxed Dragon Fei from his room, though it took over ten minutes. When he emerged, his face was flushed, piquing Ye Qian’s curiosity about what transpired. Fortunately, Dragon Fei appeared as if nothing was wrong. Without a word, he sat down to eat.

Several times Ye Qian wanted to apologize to Dragon Fei to ease the awkwardness between them but, after much thought, felt she wasn’t at fault and said nothing.

Women, sometimes, even when they realize their mistakes, refuse to admit them because they are naturally unreasonable. Besides, Ye Qian believed she was not wrong, so there was no need to admit fault.

While Yang Danni went to the kitchen, Dragon Fei shot Ye Qian a glare before retreating to his room. Ye Qian was left confused, both anxious and angry. She didn’t know if Dragon Fei was still mad at her and hoped he might stay in the living room to talk, but he seemed oblivious to her feelings and went straight to his room.

Yang Danni returned from the kitchen and sat beside Ye Qian, her eyes fixed on the TV but often glancing toward Dragon Fei’s door.

Curious, Ye Qian asked, “Sister Danni, what are you looking at?”

“Ah?” Yang Danni was startled, blushing slightly. “Little Qian, there’s something I need to tell you. Please don’t be mad at me.”

Ye Qian was taken aback, a bit anxious. “What is it? Tell me. I won’t be angry.”