Chapter 88
Qin Qianrou wanted to linger in bed with Shen Yiqiu a little longer, but it was her first day back at the station, and she couldn’t be late. Such a thing wouldn’t be a big deal for others, but for Qin Qianrou, it was unprecedented.
Shen Yiqiu had been observing Qin Qianrou since she woke up. Seeing her rosy cheeks and her energetic demeanor, she was finally certain Jiejie’s pain had subsided, although she wasn’t sure if it was thanks to the painkillers or her blood, either way, as long as Jiejie wasn’t in pain, it was good.
“I probably won’t be home for dinner tonight, there’s something at the station.” After breakfast, Qin Qianrou emerged from her room, dressed for work, phone in hand, her tone apologetic.
Shen Yiqiu was in a good mood, Jiejie had returned from her training program, which made her happier than anything.
“Don’t drink tonight, or the pain will come back.”
Qin Qianrou walked over to Shen Yiqiu, suppressing a smile as she put on a serious expression, “I definitely won’t.”
**
The atmosphere at the television station, tense and uncertain because of the restructuring, had gradually returned to normal after the sudden halt in the promotion process. With the approaching Chinese New Year, every department was busy, and their reactions to Qin Qianrou’s return from Hai City varied.
The Special Projects Team, of course, was the most delighted, while the advertising department was the most disheartened. However, no one openly expressed their feelings, and after completing the necessary paperwork, Qin Qianrou returned to her team and went to greet Lin Shuangzhi.
“Team Leader, no meetings today?”
Lin Shuangzhi had known Qin Qianrou was coming back today, so she wasn’t surprised to see her, but she was genuinely happy.
“Qianrou, come in and have a seat.”
She poured Qin Qianrou a cup of tea, it had been months since they had last sat together like this in the office.
“I’ve been running back and forth to the provincial government so frequently lately, now many of those meetings don’t require my presence, it’s a blessing in disguise.” Lin Shuangzhi’s tone was light, but also self-deprecating.
Qin Qianrou pursed her lips, although Director Yu’s promotion had been suspended, the people at the station remained the same, nothing had fundamentally changed, what had changed, however, was their attitude towards the team leader.
She was clearly no longer as valued as before, excluded from many important meetings.
“I’m not worried about myself, I’m just worried that if this continues, our team will be marginalized. If the station reduces our resources, it’ll be difficult for us to function effectively.”
Their team was a unique entity within the television station. The former station director had valued their work, and over the years, they had generated high ratings and a positive reputation for the station, but they had also offended many people, their future uncertain.
“Since higher management is already paying attention, and with public opinion focused on Dongsheng, I don’t think they’ll dare to act too openly. At least Director Yu’s promotion is unlikely now, and the results of the investigation should be out after the New Year.”
Qin Qianrou was referring to the evidence she and Li Wan had gathered based on the information provided by Jian Shan, there was no escape for Director Yu, forget about a promotion, he might even lose his job.
Lin Shuangzhi smiled and said, “That’s thanks to you and Xiao Wan’s efforts, Dongsheng’s substantial advertising investment has gone down the drain, I don’t think they’ll have a very pleasant Chinese New Year.”
Spending a fortune on television advertising wasn’t a wise choice these days. Dongsheng had thought it would pave the way for Director Yu’s promotion, who knew they would choose someone with such a shady background? They could only blame their own bad luck.
Qin Qianrou sensed something in the team leader’s tone, it seemed her relationship with Xiao Wan was progressing well.
“I heard the city government intends to appoint an external candidate for the station director position after the New Year, is that true?”
“You’ve been in Hai City for training, and you even know about this?”
“My mother mentioned it.”
Lin Shuangzhi’s response was noncommittal, she didn’t confirm or deny it.
After discussing a few more work-related matters, Li Wan came to find Qin Qianrou.
“Team Leader, Qianrou just got back, can you not give her so much work?” Li Wan’s tone, although complaining, wasn’t particularly forceful.
Lin Shuangzhi smiled at her and explained, “I was just catching up with her, don’t accuse me of being a slave driver.”
Qin Qianrou was surprised, since when did the team leader start joking around in the office?
Li Wan pulled Qin Qianrou’s arm, “We have dinner plans tonight, I need to talk to Qianrou.”
Qin Qianrou was now certain that the team leader and Xiao Wan were indeed progressing, in a positive direction this time.
**
With the Chinese New Year approaching, the television station staff weren’t exactly relaxing, everyone had on-call duties, their phones always on, ready to be called in at any moment. The only truly free time was probably New Year’s Eve itself, when, apart from those on duty at the station, most people weren’t assigned any tasks.
They had planned to have their reunion dinner at Qin Qianrou’s apartment, but this was the first time so many people were coming over, Qin Qianrou usually just celebrated with Li Wan, this year was different.
“Jiejie, I can handle this myself.” Shen Yiqiu, looking at the person about to join her grocery shopping trip, was a little exasperated.
“Many hands make light work, I’ll go with you.”
“The weather is bad today, it’s going to rain later, just wait for me at home.” Shen Yiqiu glanced at the chicken soup simmering on the stove, then added, “Or you can stay home and watch the soup.”
“No.”
“I’m not just going to the supermarket today, I also need to go to the farmer’s market, the environment there isn’t very pleasant.”
Qin Qianrou sighed, “I’m a reporter, what kind of environment haven’t I seen?”
She thought, Does Shen Yiqiu think I’m some pampered princess?
Shen Yiqiu shook her head, “You went to those places for work, but you’re my girlfriend now, I don’t want you going to such places.”
Qin Qianrou couldn’t argue with that, so she simply resorted to being unreasonable.
“Then your girlfriend wants to go grocery shopping with you right now, are you going to agree or not?”
How could she possibly refuse Jiejie acting like this?
But… she really wanted to kiss her first.
Shen Yiqiu, unable to resist, took two steps forward and pecked Qin Qianrou’s lips. “As you wish, Jiejie, whatever you want.”
Only after returning home, laden with groceries, did Qin Qianrou realize how capable her little girlfriend had become. Not only had she grown taller, always holding her hand and protectively guiding her wherever they went, she had also become increasingly adept at managing the household.
In comparison, besides work, she hadn’t improved much in other areas.
“With you around, my life skills will probably deteriorate.” Qin Qianrou backed the car out of the parking space, sighing softly.
If it weren’t for Shen Yiqiu, she wouldn’t have dared to host this dinner, or she would have simply pre-ordered a New Year’s Eve feast from a restaurant.
“With me around, Jiejie doesn’t have to worry about these things, I’ve already said I’ll take good care of you.” Shen Yiqiu was excited, having bought so many fresh ingredients, she was ready to showcase her culinary skills.
Being able to prepare a delicious meal for the person she loved, that was her greatest joy. To others, this was her first Chinese New Year without her parents, so they were all being cautious, afraid of triggering painful memories.
But Shen Yiqiu knew her parents had already been gone for over three years. Before her rebirth, she hadn’t dared to recall the warmth of her home, but now, Qin Qianrou’s presence not only allowed her to remember, but also to recreate that warmth.
She had lost her parents, lost the home where she had grown up, the wound would always be there, but Qin Qianrou’s love had allowed it to heal, to stop bleeding.
Qin Qianrou had given her another home, a home that gave her the courage to face the future.
Li Wan and Lin Shuangzhi arrived early, ostensibly to help, although everyone knew Li Wan’s cooking skills were also quite average. They met Qin Qianrou and Shen Yiqiu downstairs, and the four of them divided the groceries from the trunk.
“Just seven people tonight, was it necessary to buy so much?” Li Wan looked at the numerous bags in their hands, puzzled.
“I have no idea, you’ll have to ask Chef Shen.”
Shen Yiqiu smiled and explained, “Some of it is for tonight’s dinner, the rest is for the holidays.”
The farmer’s market wouldn’t be fully operational until after the Lantern Festival, and Shen Yiqiu, afraid Jiejie wouldn’t have fresh ingredients, had stocked up in advance.
Li Wan’s teeth ached from the sweetness. “You two, your love is truly… intense.”
Lin Shuangzhi, unlike her usual silence, asked softly, “Xiao Wan, do you also want some?”
Li Wan’s cheeks flushed slightly, and she controlled her emotions, saying calmly, “I was just commenting, nothing else.”
Lin Shuangzhi understood, “nothing else” actually confirming her earlier observation.
Shen Yiqiu went straight to the kitchen upon returning, and as she opened the door, the aroma of chicken soup filled the air, prompting three exclamations of delight from Li Wan, which made everyone chuckle.
Qin Qianrou served tea to her guests, and Li Wan, sipping her tea, said cheerfully,
“Qianrou, your home is truly different now, not only is it lively and welcoming, it’s also filled with… hope.”
Such a life was truly enviable.
She had previously worried about Qin Qianrou being all alone in Meng City, now it seemed she was the pitiful one.
“I also enjoy my current life very much.” Qin Qianrou’s voice was calm, but unlike her previous indifference, there was a sense of contentment and stability now.
“Life is better when shared, those days when my only focus was work were truly meaningless.”
Qin Qianrou glanced at Lin Shuangzhi, who had just entered the kitchen, and teased Li Wan, “Spring hasn’t even arrived yet, and someone’s heart is already aflutter.”
Li Wan insisted, “Not at all!”
Qin Qianrou sipped her tea, knowing Li Wan’s denial was just a pretense.
Li Wan, as if remembering something, suddenly became flustered. She took out her bag and rummaged through it, searching for something important.
“I almost forgot, I have a present for you.”
“What kind of present needs to be hidden so carefully?” Qin Qianrou was also curious, if it was just an ordinary gift, Li Wan wouldn’t be so secretive.
Then, she saw Li Wan take out a small box from her expensive designer bag, the packaging unfamiliar, but she recognized the words: condoms.
“Keep this safe, you’ll probably need it soon.” Li Wan pressed the box into Qin Qianrou’s hand, glancing towards the kitchen to make sure they weren’t being observed.
Qin Qianrou looked down at the box, speechless.
“Why are you giving me this?”
Qin Qianrou hadn’t touched alcohol during the numerous dinners and social gatherings at the station lately, and she was also aware of Li Wan’s… situation. With her period almost over, and this rare holiday spent together at home, things were bound to… escalate.
Having had her own unpleasant experience, Li Wan couldn’t bear the thought of her friend, or Shen Yiqiu, suffering, regardless of who would actually use them, they would definitely need them.
“You’re not single anymore, you should have some at home, what if you need them and there’s nowhere to buy them?”
These things, designed for women, were different from the ones readily available at convenience stores or pharmacies, preparing in advance was always a good idea.
Qin Qianrou had systematically studied the websites Rong Fei had recommended, although she wasn’t particularly interested in such things, she had a promise to keep with Shen Yiqiu, and now, seeing the box in Li Wan’s hand, her imagination ran wild.
Certain images, vivid and detailed, suddenly surfaced.
She quickly closed her hand, hiding the box. “Did you buy these wholesale and decide to share a box with me?”
Li Wan, who had been planning to tease Qin Qianrou, was momentarily deflated.
“Of course not, I don’t have a partner, I don’t need them.”
Besides, should she be the one buying these wholesale?
Although Qin Qianrou seemed reluctant to accept the gift, she knew it was… practical. However, Li Wan’s bluntness made it difficult for her to gracefully accept it, yet outright refusal also seemed inappropriate.
“Don’t overthink it, we’re close friends, there’s nothing to be embarrassed about.” Li Wan, seeing through her, nudged her hand, urging her to put it away.
Qin Qianrou looked at her intently, then stood up and returned to her room, emerging a few moments later.
“I haven’t actually used these before, you should read the instructions first, we don’t want to hurt the little one.” Li Wan paused, then added in a lower voice, “If you do… hurt her, you can get some ointment at the pharmacy, those are easy to find.”
Qin Qianrou looked at her, as if questioning, You seem very experienced, and Li Wan fidgeted with her hair, slightly embarrassed.
Yes, she did have some experience with buying such ointments.
Li Wan had initially thought Lin Shuangzhi was just being polite, offering to help in the kitchen, but she was actually still there.
“The sun must have risen from the west today, even the team leader is enjoying cooking now.” Li Wan, recalling the spotless stovetop in Lin Shuangzhi’s kitchen, which could practically be used as a mirror, found the scene surreal.
“Perhaps she took your words in the elevator seriously.” Qin Qianrou, as a bystander, could clearly see Lin Shuangzhi’s affection for Li Wan.
She didn’t know what had happened during her absence, causing such a significant shift in the team leader’s attitude, but she sincerely hoped that, like herself, her friend would also find happiness in love, after all, life shouldn’t just be about work.
Li Wan sighed softly, “She doesn’t understand, as long as it’s made by her, even instant noodles would taste delicious to me, food is delicious because of the feelings behind it, feelings are what truly matter.”
Qin Qianrou agreed wholeheartedly, enjoying the meals Shen Yiqiu prepared at home filled her with a sense of contentment and happiness no restaurant could offer. It was Shen Yiqiu who had captured not only her stomach, but also her heart, making her increasingly attached to the feeling of coming home.
Rong Fei arrived towards the evening, saying she had a special client, she had been busy with work and only now, just before the New Year, did she finally have some free time, a client willing to pay five times her usual fee, Rong Fei’s consultation fees were already high, this fivefold increase was like doubling her annual bonus, making everyone envious.
“Just Wen Shao Ze and Yuan Qi left, I’ll call them and ask where they are.” Li Wan glanced at the time, it was almost 6 pm, and there was still no sign of them.
Rong Fei took the tea Qin Qianrou offered and asked curiously, “Are they coming together today?”
“Probably not.” Judging by Wen Shao Ze’s recent behavior, Qin Qianrou guessed things weren’t progressing smoothly. But Yuan Qi agreeing to join them for New Year’s Eve dinner was also a surprise.
Since their encounter at the hospital, Yuan Qi hadn’t left Meng City, but he had also become more guarded, Wen Shao Ze hadn’t dared to approach him, and they had both been living in Meng City, aware of each other’s presence, yet avoiding each other.
It was Shen Yiqiu who had called and invited her cousin to join them for dinner tonight. Hearing the joy and excitement in her voice, the pain of that car accident seemingly a distant memory, Yuan Qi couldn’t bear to refuse her.
However, only as he was driving towards Qin Qianrou’s apartment, groceries in hand, did Yuan Qi finally realize what he was doing, he was actually going to have dinner at Qin Qianrou’s home, and he would be spending New Year’s Eve with Wen Shao Ze, he didn’t know whether to call himself foolish or crazy.
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