Chapter 57 p1
The training program in Hai City had been announced at the beginning of the year. Although the exact dates were undetermined, those who were interested had long since started preparing. Qin Qianrou wasn’t the only participant from the station, but she was definitely the last to apply.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of work, the day of Qin Qianrou’s departure for Hai City finally arrived. Lin Shuangzhi called her to her office. She had seen colleagues leave for three-month assignments before, but this was Qin Qianrou, a first.
“Qianrou, have you completed the handover?” Unusually, Lin Shuangzhi’s desk was clean and organized, no documents in sight, and she had even prepared two cups of tea.
Qin Qianrou walked over, knowing this conversation wouldn’t be a brief and perfunctory one, and calmly sat down.
“Everything’s done, just waiting for Xiao Wan to return from her meeting to sign off on it.”
Lin Shuangzhi never doubted Qin Qianrou’s work ethic; a simple inquiry as team leader was all that was required. She had called Qin Qianrou in today because she had several things she wanted to discuss, partly due to instructions from the station directors, partly her own thoughts.
Seeing Lin Shuangzhi hesitantly tracing the rim of her teacup, remaining silent, Qin Qianrou didn’t know what she was thinking, but she calmly waited. Having completed the work handover, she was actually quite free today; once this conversation was over and the documents signed, she could go home.
“Qianrou, three months in Hai City isn’t long, but it’s not short either. Although you said you wanted to improve your skills and network with your peers when you applied, I know those aren’t the real reasons you’re going.”
Qin Qianrou lowered her eyes, neither confirming nor denying it.
“Actually, the station originally intended to send me, but I have too much work on my hands. You taking my place was a relief, but your willingness to go was truly unexpected.” When Qin Qianrou had applied, Lin Shuangzhi had mostly praised the training program and encouraged her participation; today’s words, however, were more heartfelt.
“I’ve heard the feedback on this program is good, previous participants have all said it was beneficial. Since I have the time, I thought I’d experience it myself.”
Reporter Qin was always incredibly busy, her time dedicated to major projects, and Lin Shuangzhi didn’t question the truthfulness of her words.
Although, in her eyes, it was clearly an excuse.
But then again, how many people used various excuses to do what they truly wanted?
“Then I look forward to hearing about your experiences when you return.”
“I will.” Qin Qianrou’s reply was immediate, without hesitation.
It was as if she had never considered using this training opportunity to seek a permanent position in Hai City. So, after the training, she would still return.
Lin Shuangzhi felt the station directors’ concerns had been addressed, there was no need for further probing. With Qin Qianrou’s intelligence, she should understand the implications of these questions.
She cleared her throat and said, her tone more direct this time, “Then I have a small personal request, I hope you don’t mind.”
Qin Qianrou’s expression remained calm, and she smiled faintly. “Team Leader, when have I ever refused your requests?”
Indeed, after so many years of working together, although not particularly close, they had a mutual respect and understanding, never making things difficult for each other.
“Don’t forget your friends in Meng City after you go to Hai City, keep in touch.”
Qin Qianrou hadn’t expected the usually work-focused team leader to say this.
Lin Shuangzhi chuckled softly, a hint of self-deprecation in her voice. “Does that sound strange coming from me? Both you and I tend to forget about the world when we’re focused on work, but you’re going far away, and there are many people who care about you. So, no matter what, make time to respond to them.”
Qin Qianrou’s first thought was of Shen Yiqiu. The child hadn’t been in a good mood lately, but she hadn’t shown it openly, carefully concealing her emotions, which Qin Qianrou had noticed, but could only pretend not to.
But then she thought, Lin Shuangzhi hadn’t interacted with Shen Yiqiu, she couldn’t be referring to her. So, who could the team leader be referring to…?
Recalling Li Wan’s melancholic tone and dejected expression, and now the team leader’s unusual request, it seemed Li Wan wasn’t the only one with unrequited feelings.
Qin Qianrou’s lips curved slightly. “I will.”
Lin Shuangzhi smiled, satisfied. This should ease Li Wan’s worries and lift her spirits. Although she hadn’t said it directly, Lin Shuangzhi could sense the reason for her recent low spirits.
Both professionally and personally, she wanted Li Wan to be happy.
“Then I won’t keep you any longer. When Xiao Wan returns, you can finish the paperwork and leave early.” Lin Shuangzhi knew Qin Qianrou wouldn’t appreciate, or accept, a grand farewell ceremony.
“Thank you, Team Leader. Then I’ll be going.” Qin Qianrou reached the door, then paused, turning back to look at her. “You also shouldn’t just focus on work, don’t miss out on the beautiful scenery.”
Li Wan slipped back into the office and told Qin Qianrou that the meeting would continue until the afternoon, so she shouldn’t wait and waste her time. They had already planned a farewell gathering at her place this weekend.
The training program in Hai City would officially begin next Monday, so Qin Qianrou had booked a flight for Sunday afternoon.
**
The car was parked outside Meng Da again. Shen Yiqiu had asked her this morning if she was coming, and Qin Qianrou, as usual, had said yes.
Only after Shen Yiqiu got into the car did Qin Qianrou understand the reason for her earlier question. Seeing the flowers suddenly appearing before her, Qin Qianrou was taken aback.
Shen Yiqiu seemed perfectly calm, as if it was just a simple gesture, a pure expression of gratitude.
“Thank you for all your help, Jiejie, I hope this can express my gratitude.” She gently handed the flowers to Qin Qianrou, her voice soft.
There was no floral scent in the car, but Qin Qianrou’s nose tingled slightly. These weren’t from a florist or a flower market. Such flowers would be difficult to find elsewhere.
Shen Yiqiu, seeing her hesitation, didn’t withdraw her hand, her heart filled with anxiety.
“Jiejie, you won’t even accept these? They’re not worth much, you might even find them childish.” Shen Yiqiu’s voice dropped slightly towards the end.
Perhaps what she considered a good gift, in Jiejie’s eyes, was just something a child would like.
Just as she finished speaking, the gift she had been holding was taken from her hand.
“Thank you, I like them very much.” Qin Qianrou brought the flowers closer, inhaling their subtle fragrance, her actions natural and not overly dramatic, sending a wave of warmth through Shen Yiqiu’s heart.
She desperately wanted to hug Jiejie, to hold her close and tell her how reluctant she was for her to leave for Hai City, for three whole months.
Although Qin Qianrou had mentioned short breaks during the training program, the exact dates were uncertain. Shen Yiqiu thought, Even if you’re only gone for a day, I’ll miss you terribly.
The bouquet wasn’t large, but as Shen Yiqiu carried it out of the university, it still attracted attention, though not to the point of causing a commotion. Qin Qianrou’s aloofness had deterred many suitors over the years, but it couldn’t stop admirers from expressing their affection, so the television station often received flowers and gifts for Reporter Qin.
Without exception, she refused them all, having instructed the receptionist to return any gifts from strangers.
However, she liked the flowers Shen Yiqiu gave her very much.
“Thank you for your effort.” Qin Qianrou’s slender fingers gently traced the petals, her expression touched.
Shen Yiqiu blushed slightly. She hadn’t been very skilled at first, having practiced for two nights before managing to create something presentable.
Yes, she had hand-folded these flowers for Jiejie. Just like her love, they wouldn’t wither, they wouldn’t expire.
“If Jiejie likes them, I’ll…” Seeing Qin Qianrou’s genuine appreciation, Shen Yiqiu was overjoyed, thinking about making them for her often.
Qin Qianrou, however, interrupted her, “Such a gift is meaningful once, but don’t waste your time on this.”
Shen Yiqiu’s expression froze, the smile on her lips fading. The atmosphere instantly turned cold, as if the earlier warmth and joy had been an illusion.
Shen Yiqiu said, a hint of sadness in her voice, “Jiejie, I never consider anything I do for you a waste of time.” She slowly looked up, gathering her courage to meet Qin Qianrou’s gaze. It had been a while since she had properly looked at her from such close proximity. “Anything that makes you happy, I’m willing to do.”
Even if you don’t want me to like you, as long as you’re happy, I can stay where I am.
As Shen Yiqiu spoke, Qin Qianrou’s heart was in turmoil. She was afraid Shen Yiqiu would say something she couldn’t handle, she was afraid this child, filled with genuine affection, would lose control and confess her feelings.
However, Shen Yiqiu chose to restrain herself, her words, although filled with affection, spoken in such a casual and ordinary tone. If it weren’t for that kiss, for Qin Qianrou’s heightened sensitivity, this conversation wouldn’t have seemed so ambiguous.
Shen Yiqiu was more composed than she had thought, and a bitterness rose within Qin Qianrou.
“You staying in Meng City, focusing on your studies, taking care of yourself, that’s what makes me happiest.”
Shen Yiqiu looked at her for a long time, then smiled.
“Okay, I will.”
Qin Qianrou carefully placed the flowers on the back seat. She didn’t reach over from the driver’s seat, but specifically got out of the car, opened the back door, and placed them gently on the seat. This warmed Shen Yiqiu’s heart, Jiejie cherishing her gift so much made her want to cry.
Li Wan and Rong Fei were coming over this weekend, and Shen Yiqiu had already bought a lot of groceries and stocked the fridge. Qin Qianrou wasn’t very good at these things, but she still helped with the preparations. Shen Yiqiu had been spending a lot of time in her room these past two days, and Qin Qianrou didn’t know what she was up to, but knowing she would be leaving soon, she suddenly felt a little reluctant.
Qin Qianrou didn’t have much luggage, but she still added things to her suitcase every day, small miscellaneous items; after all, three months was a long time. Wen Yirong had called several times, suggesting she stay at their home, but Qin Qianrou had declined, saying the training program had arranged accommodations for everyone.
Wen Shao Ze had also called twice, regarding Shen Yiqiu’s patent donation, saying the procedures were almost finalized, and Shen Yiqiu just needed to formally sign the documents soon. She relayed this to Shen Yiqiu, who simply responded with a quiet acknowledgment, not showing much excitement.
Qin Qianrou, feeling listless, casually packed her suitcase, then heard footsteps outside.
“Jiejie, bring these with you.” Shen Yiqiu entered, holding a small stack of boxes.
Only when she got closer did Qin Qianrou see they were medications.
“When you were sick last time, I checked the medicine cabinet and realized we didn’t have much, and many of them were expired.” Shen Yiqiu explained earnestly, as if afraid Qin Qianrou wouldn’t approve.
“It’s good that you don’t get sick often, and it’s not a big deal for medications to expire, but you’re going to be away on your own, it’s better to be prepared.” Shen Yiqiu hesitated, then added, “It’s hard to be sick with no one to take care of you.”
Having spent so much time in the hospital, she had seen too many people suffering from illnesses.
Qin Qianrou recalled Wen Yirong’s phone call. Her mother had said cheerfully that there was no need to worry when she was in Hai City, she had a home there, her family was there, she had everything she needed.
She took the boxes of medicine from Shen Yiqiu and neatly placed them in her suitcase. If it weren’t for Shen Yiqiu, she wouldn’t have brought any medication at all.
“Then I’ll go prepare.” Li Wan and Rong Fei had said they would arrive around 2 pm; they were having dinner together tonight to see Qin Qianrou off.
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