Chapter 86
The incident of Zhuo Cheng and Lin Shuangzhi’s altercation outside the restaurant wasn’t a big deal in itself, but as the online discussion escalated, it gradually shifted to the relationship between Dongsheng Group and Meng City Television. Especially with the approaching Chinese New Year, the Meng City government had to take notice.
The provincial government office, which had been ambivalent towards Lin Shuangzhi’s reports, suddenly changed its tune, inviting her back for further discussions. This was a positive sign, and both Qin Qianrou and Li Wan were delighted.
With the change in the officials’ attitudes, the situation progressed much more smoothly. Director Yu’s promotion was temporarily suspended, his name removed from the upcoming announcement list. He remained the head of the advertising department for now, but the more perceptive individuals at the station had already sensed the shift in the wind.
Qin Qianrou’s stay in Meng City had been extended, and the training program was nearing its end. The organizers didn’t blame her for her prolonged absence but still hoped she could return and complete the remaining sessions.
The day before her departure, Li Wan and Lin Shuangzhi had dinner at Qin Qianrou’s apartment, a celebration and a farewell gathering.
“Qianrou, this trip back to Hai City will be another half a month or so. By the time you return, it’ll be almost Chinese New Year.”
Lin Shuangzhi continued, “It’s a busy time for the station at the end of the year, we’ll try not to disturb you.”
Qin Qianrou placed a bottle of wine on the table, a rare gesture. They had all been under a lot of pressure lately; tonight, they deserved to relax.
“I’ll finish the training as soon as possible and come back to help.” Qin Qianrou filled their glasses with wine, then poured herself a generous amount.
When she reached Shen Yiqiu, she poured her orange juice instead, which made Li Wan chuckle.
“Qianrou, your little one is an adult now, it’s fine for her to have a little wine, you’re so protective of her, she’s probably secretly drinking when you’re not home.”
Shen Yiqiu’s spirits weren’t very high today, but with guests present, she was still a gracious host. The hot pot ingredients had been carefully chosen and prepared by her. Hearing Li Wan’s teasing, she frowned and firmly denied it, “I haven’t!”
Then, looking at Qin Qianrou, she emphasized again, “Jiejie, I’m always well-behaved when you’re not home.”
Qin Qianrou knew Li Wan was just teasing her, but Shen Yiqiu’s expression still softened her heart. Perhaps even she hadn’t realized it, but the way she looked at Shen Yiqiu now was different from before.
She looked at her tenderly and responded with a trusting and affectionate tone, “Don’t mind Xiao Wan, I believe you.”
Then, she gently pinched Shen Yiqiu’s cheek.
Shen Yiqiu blushed, but she didn’t shy away from Qin Qianrou’s touch.
The steam from the hot pot partially obscured this tender moment, but the others could still see it clearly.
Li Wan shivered dramatically and sighed, “So inseparable now, how are you two going to survive the next half a month?”
Her words struck a chord with them. Ever since Qin Qianrou’s return to Hai City was confirmed, this had been weighing on their minds. They hadn’t discussed it openly, but they could see the reluctance in each other’s eyes.
Separation, at a time like this, was the most difficult thing to bear.
Usually, it wouldn’t be a big deal, they could take turns visiting each other, but with the training program nearing its end, there were numerous ceremonies and events, evaluations and summaries, group photos, even weekends were often partially occupied, it would be difficult for Qin Qianrou to find a free weekend to return to Meng City.
And Shen Yiqiu had her final exams, even on weekends, she would be busy studying, she wouldn’t have time to visit Hai City.
Shen Yiqiu’s mood dampened further, and she poured herself half a glass of wine, surprising Li Wan.
“I was just joking, don’t take it so seriously, half a month will pass quickly, you just focus on your exams, and Qianrou will be back before you know it.” Li Wan was a little worried, afraid she had upset Shen Yiqiu.
Shen Yiqiu took a sip of wine, a slight bitterness on her tongue.
“I know, I’ll wait for Jiejie to come home.”
Qin Qianrou sighed inwardly, she couldn’t say anything.
Thankfully, the atmosphere improved afterwards. Li Wan talked about her plans for Chinese New Year, and since none of them had any travel plans, they decided to celebrate together.
After a satisfying meal, Lin Shuangzhi offered to drive Li Wan home, and Qin Qianrou, feeling at ease, cleaned up the dining room with Shen Yiqiu.
“Jiejie, you go rest in the living room, I’ll take care of this.” Qin Qianrou had had quite a bit to drink, and Shen Yiqiu gently held her arm.
“I’m not drunk, I can’t always take advantage of you and make you do all the work.” Qin Qianrou’s cheeks were slightly flushed, either from the alcohol or from the spicy hot pot.
Shen Yiqiu’s heart stirred, she had been captivated by Jiejie’s flushed cheeks several times during dinner, but with others present, she had restrained herself, now, with just the two of them, she could be a little bolder.
The thought had barely formed when she acted on it.
Qin Qianrou was stolen a kiss. The familiar scent, the intoxicating touch, their unspoken understanding.
“What are you doing?!” Qin Qianrou playfully scolded her, the redness in her cheeks deepening.
Shen Yiqiu leaned against the dining table, licked her lips, and said honestly, “Jiejie, you’re so beautiful, I couldn’t resist.”
Her increasingly straightforward words made Qin Qianrou glare at her.
However, this playful glare, coupled with her flushed cheeks, only added to her allure, stirring Shen Yiqiu’s desires further. She pulled Qin Qianrou into her arms and kissed her deeply.
No matter how many times they kissed, Shen Yiqiu would never tire of it, she loved Jiejie so much, this was the only way to express the overflowing emotions in her heart, she wanted to kiss Jiejie forever.
Qin Qianrou’s body softened in the kiss, she had to admit, Shen Yiqiu’s kissing skills had improved tremendously, she had become Shen Yiqiu’s captive, willingly surrendering to her touch.
A soft moan escaped her lips, Qin Qianrou no longer suppressing her feelings, but tonight, there was a different kind of yearning, a subtle emptiness that had been there before, but she hadn’t paid much attention to it. Ever since occasionally browsing those websites Rong Fei had recommended, her body’s responses had intensified.
This growing emptiness gradually consumed her, she clung to Shen Yiqiu, wanting to be kissed more deeply, more…
They embraced, their steps intertwined as they left the dining room, this was their home, every inch familiar, they could find the sofa even with their eyes closed. Qin Qianrou was gently placed on the sofa, this wasn’t their first time here, entangled like this, yet she felt a greater urgency than ever before.
Shen Yiqiu’s sadness and reluctance at their impending separation were evident in her deep kisses, she didn’t have to say it, Qin Qianrou knew, so she indulged her, her eagerness, her slight possessiveness.
Shen Yiqiu’s eyes were filled with love. She pulled away slightly from Qin Qianrou’s lips, her voice husky, “Jiejie, I don’t want you to leave.”
Qin Qianrou felt the same way. Having dedicated herself to her career for so many years, for the first time, she felt a sense of weariness, she didn’t want to leave either.
“Silly girl, I’ll be back soon.”
“I know.” Shen Yiqiu buried her face in the crook of Qin Qianrou’s neck, inhaling her scent deeply.
Jiejie’s warmth, her fragrance, everything about her, she couldn’t bear to let go.
She had learned almost everything from those online forums, she wanted to surprise Jiejie, she wasn’t sure if it was because of those articles, but lately, after kissing Jiejie, her body had been feeling more restless, wanting more.
She carefully controlled her desires, afraid of being discovered by Qin Qianrou, but how could someone so close, sharing such intimate moments, be completely oblivious?
Qin Qianrou wrapped her arms around Shen Yiqiu’s neck, pulling her closer.
“I’ll bring you a gift when I come back, okay?”
Shen Yiqiu didn’t look up, simply turning her face slightly, her lips brushing against Qin Qianrou’s earlobe.
Jiejie’s ears, so delicate and fair, her earlobes small yet soft and supple, Shen Yiqiu loved them.
“What kind of gift?”
Qin Qianrou paused, staring blankly at the ceiling, her mind blank, then finally, she said simply, “It’s a surprise, so it’s a secret for now.”
Jiejie had already given her so many gifts, both practical everyday items and carefully chosen special ones, Shen Yiqiu cherished them all.
“As long as it’s from you, Jiejie, I’ll like it.” Shen Yiqiu nuzzled her cheek against Qin Qianrou’s, then gently rubbed her lips against hers.
Qin Qianrou’s heart raced even faster, being with Shen Yiqiu, she felt herself becoming younger, as if reliving her carefree youth.
Her body relaxed, and she leaned against Shen Yiqiu trustingly, always finding comfort and sweetness in this child’s embrace.
Her breaths deepened, and Qin Qianrou didn’t need to look to know Shen Yiqiu’s current state, because she felt the same way.
Shen Yiqiu had been stopping herself at moments like this lately, and Qin Qianrou understood her reasons.
“If you… want to, then we can…”
“Jiejie, I’m willing to wait for you.”
Qin Qianrou’s hand caressed Shen Yiqiu’s face, a face she couldn’t help but adore, even just looking at it made her heart race,
in over two decades, for the first time, she felt such an intense, almost obsessive, longing for someone.
“I won’t make you wait too long.”
Qin Qianrou smiled and leaned in, kissing Shen Yiqiu deeply, returning her earlier affections with a passion of her own.
Shen Yiqiu, from Jiejie’s reaction, gradually understood what that “surprise” would be.
With this anticipation, the upcoming separation didn’t seem so unbearable anymore.
**
The incident with Zhuo Cheng had disrupted the television station’s plans. With Deputy Director Ding and Director Yu’s promotions on hold before the Chinese New Year, the restructuring plans were also delayed.
Shao Qidong was furious, exploding at Zhuo Cheng for the first time.
This was his prized recruit, he valued him, trusted him, had given him such an important role, yet he had caused such a mess.
“Zhuo Cheng, you’ve disappointed me greatly!”
“I’m sorry, Mr. Shao, I didn’t expect the online reaction to escalate, it was just a few photos.”
“Is this about the photos? This is your problem, your own personal issues, which is why they were able to use it against you.”
Zhuo Cheng had also been frustrated lately, everyone at Dongsheng now thought he was a violent person, his previously impeccable image shattered, even his admirers among the young female employees had decreased.
“Those were just fabricated rumors, I can clarify the situation.”
He could indeed clarify, but Shao Qidong wouldn’t allow it, he had suppressed any public statements from him.
“You’re not famous enough yet? Want to engage in a public debate online? You’ve been abroad for too long, you don’t understand the situation here.”
Shao Qidong had to reconsider his decision, entrusting the crucial overseas branch to the impulsive Zhuo Cheng, had it been too risky?
“Fighting with another woman over a woman, that story is even more entertaining. Besides, if you speak out, how are you going to explain it to Deputy Mayor Li?”
If Zhuo Cheng revealed anything, Li Wan’s involvement would eventually be uncovered, which would make things even more complicated. He couldn’t afford to offend the deputy mayor, Shao Qidong would rather suffer losses himself than cause trouble for him.
“I understand, I’ll take responsibility for this.” Zhuo Cheng felt dejected, he had lost, because he lacked connections and influence.
“Responsibility? How are you going to take responsibility? I spent so much money to get them promoted, and now it’s all wasted.”
“It’s just a temporary delay, perhaps after the New Year, when the public forgets about this, then…”
Shao Qidong scoffed, “Naive! Do you really think this online outrage was spontaneous? Think about it, who are you dealing with? Lin Shuangzhi has been in this industry for so long, how difficult would it be for her to manipulate public opinion?”
Shao Qidong was more perceptive than Zhuo Cheng, but he didn’t have time for such petty squabbles now, his priority was transferring his assets overseas, which wasn’t entirely up to him.
The wolves behind him were watching, and if he couldn’t secure those assets, he might lose more than just his money.
**
Three days after Shen Yiqiu finished her final exams, Qin Qianrou returned, as promised, arriving on the evening flight the day her training program ended.
Shen Yiqiu, seeing the familiar figure approaching her at the airport, felt a sudden stinging sensation in her nose.
“What, not happy to see me?” Qin Qianrou, standing before her, noticed the slight trembling of her lips.
Shen Yiqiu, afraid that if she hugged her, she wouldn’t be able to let go, quickly took the suitcase from her, her head lowered slightly.
“Overjoyed, finally.”
Qin Qianrou took her hand, their palms touching, the warmth spreading.
“You’re becoming more and more of a goofball.”
“Will Jiejie not like me if I’m a goofball?”
“No.”
Shen Yiqiu finally smiled, and Qin Qianrou shook her head helplessly, Such a silly smile.
“Sister Li Wan is working overtime tonight, so I called a taxi.” Shen Yiqiu led Qin Qianrou towards the parking lot, checking the driver’s message on her phone.
“It’s the busiest time of year before the holidays, the less time off at the station.” Qin Qianrou knew this well, if it weren’t for the training program, she would also be working overtime now.
“It’s so tiring.”
The streets of Meng City were starting to empty out, many people returning to their hometowns for the holidays, the nights quieter than usual.
“So many people have gone home, the streets are so empty.” Shen Yiqiu looked out the window, a melancholic tone in her voice.
“Do you want to go home for the holidays?”
Shen Yiqiu turned to Qin Qianrou, puzzled.
“Do you want to go back to Hai City?”
Qin Qianrou didn’t mind where she spent the holidays, she usually worked through them anyway, so the location wasn’t important, Shen Yiqiu, however, this would be her first Chinese New Year without her parents, it would probably be… different.
Shen Yiqiu was silent for a moment, then smiled softly, “Jiejie’s home is my home.”
Their intertwined hands tightened.
Qin Qianrou looked at her intently. “It’s our home.”
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