Lin's Celebration

"Scissoring : As your jade chambers collide, sway your hips in tandem. Feel the warmth of your partner's body along with her rhythm, be aware of when she will discharge her qi. Then, absorb it in your dantian. Let your partner become a part of you and vice versa. It is a process more potent than harvesting qi from spirit stones."

Twin Jade Chambers, Page 1 : Line 3

Giving in to her curiosity, Xiao was in her living room, reading the salacious dual cultivation book.

The poses in the book tailored for two women are really something else, vivid in detail. But what really grabbed Xiao's attention was how to garner high quality qi from your partner through them. Basically, the stronger your partner, the better the qi.

Xiao immediately had one partner in mind.

But would she agree to it? She might endanger their friendship.

Closing the book with a sigh, Xiao headed for bed, she wanted to crash early.

For tomorrow will be Lin's birthday celebration.

+++

The An family's residence was one of, if not the grandest estates in Jiang Shian. Their four storey home was more akin to a small building than a mansion.

Their resplendent garden, filled with saucer magnolia trees all around was where Lin's celebration was being held.

Ranging from around 30 tables laid horizontally, each of them contained roasted duck, pork cutlets, smoked chicken, and jars of wine. It was no exaggeration to say that each table held a feast that no guests would be able to eat all on their own. Especially the high brow socialite guests who wouldn't dare gorge on food in the presence of their peers for the sake of appearance.

But before taking said tables, these socialites would cup their hands and introduce themselves before Lin who was at the helm. Wearing an elegant red robe dress with golden embroidery. The An family's heir apparent would wear no less than what would be considered as the height of fashion in Jiang Shian.

It was no secret that most of them were just there to curry favors with the An family.

And one of these family, was the Shen family. But its young mistress looked none too pleased to be at such a venue.

"Why do I have to be here!?"

Liu's expression was sour as she walked beside his father, making their way towards the garden. Out of her disciple robes, Liu donned a purple qipao with golden fur around her shoulder.

Wearing regal grey robes, the imposing man with long black hair and beard expressed his displeasure by answering her daughter.

"We are here because you fell behind that Xiao again, I provide you with more than enough spirit stones every month and a mere commoner overtook you in becoming a core disciple? You bring shame to our family name. Curses, your cultivation speed is so basic, unlike your talented brother. It looks like we're going to have to pay to let you become a core disciple"

The hurt that Liu felt as her father called her shameless and basic made her eyes a bit red. But she would never dare shed tears, she needed to appear strong in front of her father. Thus, she kept up her irritated tone, making it seem like she was unfazed by the comment.

No matter how much scalding her father's remarks were, Liu still failed to correlate her need to be there.

"And what does that have to do with me accompanying you? If you just want to curry favors you can do it by yourself!"

"Use your brain. Although the An family's daughter is heaps more talented, she's the same age as you. You WILL approach her after we introduce ourselves, are we clear?"

His father's timbre intensified, making it clear that things will not go well for Liu if she ever disagreed.

"Y-yes, father."

+++

The two cupped their hands before Lin.

"Greetings, I am Shen Rong, and this here is my daughter, Shen Liu."

Lin returned the gesture, and flashed the two of them a courteous smile, "Ah, the Shen family. Welcome! Grab a table and enjoy the food and wine."

"Thank you." Before heading for the nearest table, Rong, gave his daughter a look. It was one that says 'You know what to do.'

Liu clicked her tongue, and with hesitant steps, she approached Lin's table.

Naturally this already became gossip among the guests, to them, Liu's action reeked of shamelessness and desperation to get in the good graces of the An family.

"Hello again, Lin. Would you mind if I take the seat right beside you?"

Introduced only a few seconds prior, Lin raised her brow at the Red haired woman smiling awkwardly before her. They were practically strangers, what did Liu want from her? More importantly, the seat she was trying to occupy was already meant for someone.

"I apologize, but I would mind. That seat is reserved for someone." Lin fiddled with the wine cup in her hand as she gave a straightforward but still polite answer.

Suddenly, a familiar voice called out. The expression on the faces of the two couldn't be more polar opposites. It was like the sky had fallen over Liu while Lin was soaring through it.

"Sorry I'm late, Lin."

It was Xiao. Dressed gorgeously for the occasion with her purple hanfu dress containing black accents.

Too angered to respond, Liu was internally fuming at Xiao for daring to match her outfit's color with her own!

"You expect me to just forgive you? You have to make up for your tardiness, Xiao." Playfulness lingered on Lin's words.

With a single snap of her fingers, a servant carrying a tray of wine jar and a cup approached Xiao.

With a coy grin, Xiao questioned, "Alright then, birthday girl, how many cups do you want me to drink?".

"I've already had 5 just waiting for you, drink 6. No, drink 7."

"7. How about we make things interesting?" Xiao grabbed the wine jar and removed its lid. Raising the jar for everyone to see, she gave her heartfelt greeting for her friend's special day. "A toast for the gorgeous heiress of the An family, Happy birthday, Lin."

Highly amused, Lin watched as her friend was downing the whole jar, paying no heed to the prim image of how a lady should act.

A smile adorned Lin's lips, "Xiao, you madwoman!"

+++

Needless to say, Liu wasn't thrilled to know that the seat right next to Lin was for Xiao.

"Oh, Hello there, Liu." Xiao greeted as she took her seat.

The way Xiao smiled at Liu infuriated the red haired woman to no end.

"Don't 'Hello' me! You would even follow me here Xiao!?"

Lin didn't appreciate how Liu talked to her friend. They were in her household, and Xiao would be respected.

"Liu, I believe I have no further business with you. Please, go back to your and your father's table."

"You would let this commoner sit beside you!? Have you lost your mind!? I'm the one who should keep you company, not this loser!"

Liu's anger was doused with shame.

Speechless, Liu had trouble registering what just happened. Her mouth was agape as she traced the wine in her cheeks. Lin just splashed her in front of everyone to see.

Unable to bear the judging glances from the crowd, Liu ran away in tears.

+++

Taking the seat right next to Lin, Xiao was a bit perturbed by how vicious Lin could get. In a sense, Liu had it coming for raising her voice at the young mistress of the household, but Xiao still felt bad for Liu.

On the other hand, Lin's demeanor was as if nothing had happened. Xiao had been seeing nothing but Lin's amicable side that she forgot that Lin had a cruel side to her as well.

Thoughts like those are unfitting during her friend's birthday celebration so she just shrugged them off.

Retrieving her gift from inside the chest of her dress, Xiao handed it to Lin.

"It's for you."

Lin's face lit up with elation as she saw the book's title.

"Xiao, you shouldn't have! Thank you!"

The smile on Lin's face made Xiao's heart aflutter, it was definitely worth it tolerating that red-eyed weirdo and his ramblings.

+++

The festivity went by and just before they knew it, it was almost midnight.

As the guests said goodbye one by one, Lin deemed that some privacy for them two to freely discuss whatever was on their mind was warranted.

Lin faced her servants and bodyguards, "Leave us."

With that, it was just Lin and Xiao alone in the garden, the full moon shining down on them for a calming ambience as they finished their remaining wine.

Lin poured some on her cup, her eyes then met Xiao's. They share a grin.

"More wine?" Lin offered.

"Sure."

Thus, Lin poured some on Xiao's.

For Xiao, the situation was perfect, her gut was telling her that there should be no perfect time than now to request what she had in mind towards Lin.

Besides, It was merely for cultivation's sake. Yeah, totally. Xiao convinced herself.

"Something bothering you, Xiao?" Lin asked.

Xiao smiled with self derision, so her hesitation was that apparent in her face? Throwing caution to the wind, Xiao decided to go all in.

Retrieving another book from her chest, Xiao handed the 'Twin Jade Chambers' to Lin.

"What is this?"

"Just…read it." Xiao answered, red from both the alcohol and the shame.

It was as if the various sex poses right before her very eyes sobered Lin. What was Xiao's intention by making her read such a book!? Could it be!?

The sudden frown on Lin's face was indicative of her answer. Lin closed the book.

"Xiao, I can't be your lover. I have a duty to inherit this family." Lin explained. It wasn't like she was thinking of marrying Xiao IF they got together. Lin just couldn't handle the scandal it would bring to her family if they ever found out she was laying with the same sex.

Sadness marked Xiao's face, why did it feel like her heart was suddenly torn from her chest? Lin just said no, Xiao should accept that.

"Right…right. If you would excuse me Lin, I would like to rest for the evening." Xiao forced her heavy legs to stand up.

"Leaving so soon? I thought you gave me this book because you wanted to have me as your partner?"

Hearing Lin's inviting tone, Vitality returned to Xiao faster than a fish drowning on land that was thrown back into the sea.

"But I thought…Didn't you just reject me!?"

"I said I can't be your lover, that doesn't mean we can't dual cultivate. So, are you down for it?"

Lin's lustful eyes sent shivers of pleasure down Xiao's spine.

"You know it."