Chapter 37
Shen Yiqiu’s “Sister Qin” suddenly raised the temperature in the room considerably. Qin Qianrou didn’t dislike the form of address, but it felt… a little strange.
Perhaps it was different from what she had expected. She didn’t dwell on it, but simply smiled and accepted it. Seeing Shen Yiqiu looking at her nervously, Qin Qianrou’s heart skipped a beat.
“What? You’re nervous after calling me that?” Qin Qianrou pushed down the slight strangeness in her heart and teased Shen Yiqiu.
She found Shen Yiqiu’s flustered and slightly dazed look rather endearing.
“I’m not nervous.” Shen Yiqiu lowered her head to sip her tea, clearly disagreeing.
However, her reddening ears betrayed her words.
The door opened, and the waiter led Jiang Yuan and He Chao inside, shattering the rare moment of warmth.
Jiang Yuan walked in first, immediately apologizing, “Sorry we’re late. The traffic was terrible today. We were stuck on the Yun’an Elevated Road for half an hour without moving an inch.”
The Yun’an Elevated Road spanned Hai City from north to south, a nightmare for drivers during rush hour. Usually, it was a matter of luck, but if an unreliable driver caused a minor incident, the delay could be endless.
Jiang Yuan’s exasperated tone made both Shen Yiqiu and Qin Qianrou chuckle knowingly.
However, their laughter wasn’t directed at Jiang Yuan.
He Chao, following behind Jiang Yuan, saw Shen Yiqiu and Qin Qianrou exchanging smiles. He paused, unable to find the right words to describe the feeling.
Only after they were seated did he belatedly realize it was a kind of unspoken understanding.
“Xiao Qiu, Reporter Qin, you came to Hai City without letting us know beforehand, so we haven’t had a chance to properly welcome you.” Jiang Yuan picked up the menu, ordered, dismissed the waiter, and initiated the conversation.
Tonight, she was destined to take the lead. He Chao wasn’t usually talkative, and being the only man present, he mostly remained silent, apart from the initial greetings.
Shen Yiqiu was mentally prepared. Facing Jiang Yuan now, it was just a performance. She suppressed the past grievances, not as agitated or upset as she had been in their previous encounters, perhaps because Qin Qianrou was by her side.
Past and present, all her experiences. Shen Yiqiu often dreamt, dreamt of living her life, only to find herself back on the path of her past life.
Fortunately, Qin Qianrou was there. Her presence was the most reassuring proof. Whenever Shen Yiqiu found herself blurring the lines between dreams and reality, a single glance at Qin Qianrou would instantly calm her anxious heart.
Qin Qianrou was her anchor.
“Aunt Jiang, you’re always so busy, and we didn’t have anything specific, so we didn’t want to bother you.”
Shen Yiqiu’s tone still lacked the previous familiarity and casualness, but her willingness to engage in conversation, her politeness, was much better than Jiang Yuan had expected.
It seemed her intuition on the phone had been correct: Xiao Qiu’s attitude was changing.
She exchanged a subtle glance with He Chao, then patiently continued her probing.
She had insisted on hosting this dinner tonight specifically to find out their true purpose for coming to Hai City.
As the dishes were served, Jiang Yuan enthusiastically urged them to eat more, occasionally explaining the special features of each dish.
Shen Yiqiu had often come here with her parents and was quite familiar with the restaurant. It was obvious who Jiang Yuan’s efforts were directed at.
Qin Qianrou didn’t spoil the act. In response to Jiang Yuan’s enthusiasm, she would occasionally smile politely, acknowledging her hospitality.
“You said you went to Hai Da to find someone. Tell us about the details, if there are any difficulties, we can help you find a solution.”
The topic finally shifted to the purpose of their trip. Jiang Yuan’s tone was natural, betraying no ulterior motives.
Shen Yiqiu instinctively turned to Qin Qianrou, who was elegantly eating fish, showing no particular reaction. But Shen Yiqiu knew that Qin Qianrou was aware of Jiang Yuan’s probing intentions.
The conversation with Jiang Yuan was mainly handled by Shen Yiqiu, after all, on the surface, she was closer to Jiang Yuan. Qin Qianrou’s presence here was also because of Shen Yiqiu.
“A senior from my university and her boyfriend had a fight, so we came to help mediate.”
Jiang Yuan waited for a while, only to hear such a trivial reason. She was momentarily speechless, a mix of amusement and relief washing over her.
Shen Yiqiu appeared relaxed, seemingly unaware of Jiang Yuan’s scrutiny, focusing on eating the food Jiang Yuan kept piling onto her plate.
It had been a while since she had eaten here, but the taste was still the same, delicious.
“These students nowadays, not focused on their studies, but all about their relationships. A little quarrel can make people travel all this way just to mediate.” Jiang Yuan shook her head and sighed. Such things were common at universities.
Shen Yiqiu was gnawing on a chicken wing, her mouth temporarily occupied. Wanting to respond to Jiang Yuan, she quickened her pace, getting grease on the corners of her mouth.
A tissue suddenly appeared beside her hand. She turned, chicken wing still in her mouth, and saw Qin Qianrou calmly looking at Jiang Yuan, taking over the conversation.
“Young people tend to be more emotionally invested in things they care about, regardless of how important they might appear to others.”
Jiang Yuan paused, then chuckled. “I heard Reporter Qin mainly works on documentary programs, many major events in Meng City were initiated by your reports, I didn’t expect you to come all this way for a student’s relationship problems.”
“I’m here accompanying Shen Yiqiu as her friend. It has nothing to do with my work.”
Qin Qianrou’s honesty surprised Jiang Yuan, and even He Chao, who had been silent, couldn’t help but glance at her. Qin Qianrou calmly met their gazes; she had been expecting this.
He Chao suddenly spoke, a hint of meaning in his tone, “Friend? I remember Xiao Qiu always referring to you as her auntie, how did you suddenly become friends?”
He Chao had always disliked these convoluted relationships. Ever since Qin Qianrou’s first appearance in the hospital ward, he had been suspicious of this sudden “Auntie Qin.”
Shen Yiqiu finally finished the chicken wing, swallowing it down so she could finally speak.
Qin Qianrou gently patted the back of her hand and softly said, “Eat slowly.”
Then, she calmly returned to the conversation, “She was a minor before, so I temporarily acted as her guardian. Now that she’s eighteen, we can naturally be friends.”
Eighteen, adult, friend. These words, individually, were innocuous. However, combined, the underlying meaning was different.
He Chao and Jiang Yuan frowned simultaneously. Shen Yiqiu was a little curious, not understanding why Qin Qianrou’s simple explanation had caused such a reaction.
However, anything that made them uncomfortable made her happy. Her admiration for Qin Qianrou grew; as expected of a reporter, a few words could render them speechless.
Shen Yiqiu was still savoring the taste of the chicken wing, her favorite dish. Jiang Yuan remembered this and had ordered it as soon as they arrived.
She smiled and placed another chicken wing on Qin Qianrou’s plate. “You should try it too, it’s delicious.”
Observing their interaction, so natural and close, without any pretense, Jiang Yuan realized her earlier suspicion that they were putting on an act at the hospital had been wrong.
She composed herself, unwilling to miss this rare opportunity, and returned to the previous topic. “Judging by your appearance, I assume your friend’s relationship problems have been resolved?”
Shen Yiqiu nodded. “Temporarily, yes.”
She paused, as if considering whether to continue, then glanced at Qin Qianrou.
Qin Qianrou was focused on eating the chicken wing, seemingly not intending to stop her.
So, she could continue?
Shen Yiqiu interpreted it this way and boldly continued, “However, there seems to be another problem, quite a troublesome one.”
She put on a worried expression, as if facing a situation even more complicated than relationship problems.
Jiang Yuan smiled and asked, “What other problem? Tell us about it, maybe we can help.”
Finally, a chance to be useful. Up until now, He Chao and Jiang Yuan’s presence had been minimal, which frustrated them greatly.
They hadn’t experienced such neglect in a long time, so hearing that Shen Yiqiu had another problem made them feel a surge of eagerness.
Shen Yiqiu pouted, as if deeply troubled.
Jiang Yuan tried to reassure and encourage her, “Just say whatever you want. What are you holding back in front of your Uncle He and me?”
Hah! It’s precisely because I’m in front of you that I have to be careful about what I say. Shen Yiqiu could only complain inwardly. She couldn’t afford to show her true feelings towards them just yet.
“It’s like this. My senior’s boyfriend is a graduate student at Hai Da. He’s about to graduate and wants to move to Meng City to live with his girlfriend.” Shen Yiqiu paused here specifically to observe He Chao’s reaction. As expected, she saw his brow twitch slightly.
She continued, “But his advisor doesn’t seem to agree, insisting he stay in Hai City, saying he’s a promising talent and shouldn’t be buried in a small city.”
He Chao’s tense expression relaxed a little. This explanation was acceptable. He had thought Gu Chao might have told Shen Yiqiu something else. It seemed that student was still timid and cautious, not daring to speak out of turn.
He had chosen Gu Chao precisely because of his personality, giving him the most work without worrying about leaks. He had become increasingly adept at manipulating his students over the years, rarely misjudging them.
Although Shen Yiqiu hadn’t explicitly mentioned it, He Chao almost immediately guessed that the person they were looking for was Gu Chao.
Seeing that he remained impassive, Shen Yiqiu continued, “But we all feel that long-distance relationships are too difficult. And if they can’t be together even after graduation, what’s the point of the relationship?”
The implication being that the advisor was interfering with their relationship.
Jiang Yuan looked slightly awkward and glanced at He Chao, who didn’t react.
“Xiao Qiu, which advisor is this graduate student under?”
Jiang Yuan had her suspicions, but she wasn’t entirely certain. He Chao rarely talked about his students; after all, he could handle them himself, there was no need to discuss them.
“Professor He’s student, Gu Chao.”
As she said this, Shen Yiqiu deliberately put on a hesitant and troubled expression, as if forced to reveal this information. Qin Qianrou, watching from the side, couldn’t help but silently give her a thumbs-up.
Having stated it so directly, He Chao could no longer feign ignorance. However, as a renowned professor, he had to maintain his composure; he couldn’t show any surprise or dismay.
After a moment of contemplation, he said in a deep voice, “Gu Chao did mention wanting to move to Meng City. Based on his abilities and past performance, I advised him to stay in Hai City. After all, his major offers greater development opportunities here.”
His words sounded perfectly reasonable, as if he was solely considering his student’s best interests. If Shen Yiqiu hadn’t seen Gu Chao’s breakdown, hadn’t heard Li Zihua and the others’ accusations against He Chao, she might have wavered.
However, now, seeing He Chao’s hypocrisy, she felt nauseated.
“I’m sure he had considered everything before making the request, weighing his options before making his choice. Perhaps, in his eyes, his relationship is more important.”
He Chao scoffed. “Young people only think about relationships. In a few years, he’ll realize that relationships can’t help him with anything, they’ll only hold him back. By then, the opportunities he missed won’t be waiting for him. I just don’t want him to regret it later, he’s still young.”
Even Qin Qianrou frowned slightly at his words. The disdain for relationships in He Chao’s tone was evident.
But before she could speak, Shen Yiqiu retorted, “How can you say that? People value relationships because they have genuine feelings. Those who know how to cherish relationships also know how to cherish and appreciate life. No matter how rare an opportunity, it’s not as rare as finding the right person. Uncle He, it’s wrong of you to dismiss Gu Chao’s choice.”
Shen Yiqiu said, It’s wrong.
Qin Qianrou froze, looking at Shen Yiqiu’s profile, her thoughts wandering.
She was only eighteen, she shouldn’t have much experience with relationships. Recalling her earlier conclusion that relationships were troublesome, Qin Qianrou had thought Shen Yiqiu would avoid them.
She hadn’t expected her to think this way.
Lost in thought, Qin Qianrou didn’t interrupt their conversation.
He Chao’s expression darkened. Being challenged and corrected by Shen Yiqiu, especially in front of Qin Qianrou, was unbearable for the proud professor.
Jiang Yuan, understanding him, gently patted his hand under the table, trying to comfort him.
“Xiao Qiu, you have a point, but we’ve been through this, we’ve seen many such cases in our younger days. Just a few years ago, we had a few students who made similar choices. But at a recent alumni gathering, I heard they weren’t doing very well.”
So, they were doing this for Gu Chao’s own good, to prevent him from making the same mistake.
Shen Yiqiu snorted and stuffed a slice of beef into her mouth.
They were truly annoying, always using their age, experience, and status to lecture, as if having lived a few more decades was something to be proud of. They weren’t Gu Chao, they didn’t understand his true feelings, so why should they make decisions for his life based on their own experiences?
Moreover, He Chao’s insistence on keeping Gu Chao wasn’t for his benefit at all.
Thinking this, Shen Yiqiu felt even angrier.
Suddenly, a small bowl appeared in front of her, filled with clear, fragrant soup.
“You’ve been talking so much, have some soup.” Qin Qianrou’s calm tone miraculously soothed Shen Yiqiu’s rising anger.
Shen Yiqiu obediently moved the bowl closer and took small sips. The soup was lukewarm, but it was still comforting. In this air-conditioned room, the soup Qin Qianrou had served her warmed her from the inside out.
Qin Qianrou sipped her tea and wiped her mouth, having finished eating. She had been listening to their conversation and had a general understanding of He Chao’s attitude.
She had come here with the intention of probing, and having achieved her goal, she no longer needed to hold back.
“When it comes to relationships, it’s best to let the individuals involved make their own decisions. After all, it’s their life, others’ opinions and suggestions can only serve as references.”
This offered He Chao a way out, and the tense atmosphere finally eased. He Chao didn’t insist further, silently accepting her words.
However, Qin Qianrou casually added, “Professor He seems to have a lot of projects lately. I heard your students often stay up all night in the lab, barely getting any sleep.”
More projects meant more funding opportunities, naturally a dream for professors.
He Chao, unable to discern Qin Qianrou’s intention, responded cautiously with a simple “Mm.”
Jiang Yuan smoothed things over, “Lao He has been busy with the joint research project all of last year, neglecting his own projects. So this year, he has to catch up, which is why he seems a bit overwhelmed.”
Qin Qianrou nodded understandingly and didn’t press further.
After Shen Yiqiu finished her soup, everyone tacitly put down their chopsticks, signaling the end of the meal.
Jiang Yuan offered to drive them back to the hotel, but Shen Yiqiu said she wanted to take a walk to aid digestion. Since their hotel wasn’t far, Jiang Yuan didn’t insist.
After they parted ways, He Chao, sitting in the car, watched their figures receding in the rearview mirror, then spoke in a low voice.
“It seems we need to investigate this Qin Qianrou.”
“Really investigate her?” They weren’t unaware of Shao Qidong’s warning, but tonight’s dinner had also made them realize that Qin Qianrou seemed to be taking an interest in them.
“It’s better to strike first than to be caught off guard later.”
Jiang Yuan thought for a moment and agreed, no longer objecting.
It was just an investigation, not a direct confrontation. It shouldn’t be as dramatic as Shao Qidong had made it out to be.
Moreover, they were in Hai City, their territory. A reporter who had overstepped her boundaries in Meng City, no matter how capable, wouldn’t dare to be too arrogant here. After careful consideration, Jiang Yuan felt this was a rare opportunity.
**
Leaving the restaurant, the streets were already brightly lit; Hai City never felt desolate.
“I’m so full.” Shen Yiqiu patted her belly contentedly.
Qin Qianrou walked beside her, her pace leisurely. The clothes Wen Yirong had sent were mostly business casual, and even her heels were lower than usual. Now, she was only slightly taller than Shen Yiqiu, and her aura seemed softer than usual.
They walked casually, like friends taking a stroll after dinner.
“What are your thoughts on tonight’s situation?”
Shen Yiqiu thought for a moment and answered truthfully, “Pretty much as I expected. He definitely won’t admit to exploiting his students, and he certainly won’t admit to having ulterior motives.”
A sarcastic smile touched Shen Yiqiu’s lips. Such a person, enjoying the same level of fame in academia as her father, was an insult to Shen Zhifeng.
Her father had always been adored by his students. After his accident, many students who had benefited from his guidance had reached out to Shen Yiqiu through various channels, offering to help her in any way they could.
Shen Yiqiu, unwilling to burden others or trigger painful memories, had declined their offers. But the seeds of kindness her father had sown would eventually bear fruit and benefit society in other ways.
However, Shen Yiqiu hadn’t missed the fleeting look of malice and determination in He Chao’s eyes as they parted ways. She had lived with them for a while in her past life, and even though she had been unsuspecting back then, she knew them to a certain extent.
“I’m a little worried.”
Qin Qianrou looked at her. “Are you scared?”
“I’m not scared, I’m worried they might try to retaliate against you.”
Qin Qianrou froze, then smiled faintly and shook her head. “It’s alright, I’m not afraid.”
Shen Yiqiu frowned, not easily convinced.
“You don’t understand them, they’re very resourceful. And they know a lot of influential people in Hai City. I’m worried they might harm you after they find out.”
Shen Yiqiu’s tone became increasingly anxious, her eyes filled with worry. All her emotions stemmed from concern. Qin Qianrou, gazing into her eyes, was oblivious to the surrounding neon lights.
Qin Qianrou sighed. “I’ve considered these possibilities, which is why I advised Gu Chao and the others not to confront him openly for now. After all, they still have to live in Hai City after we return to Meng City. As for me, He Chao wouldn’t dare to do anything to me.”
She spoke the last sentence with absolute certainty.
Shen Yiqiu wanted to ask why, but she stopped herself.
She believed Qin Qianrou had the ability to protect herself; otherwise, Reporter Qin wouldn’t have emerged unscathed after exposing so many major cases.
Besides, she had her precognitive ability, she could foresee danger. This way, she could protect Qin Qianrou, as long as she stayed by her side. Shen Yiqiu’s confidence grew.
As her worries gradually subsided, the bustling streets of Hai City evoked memories of their hometown. Walking along familiar streets, surrounded by familiar scents, the homesickness buried deep within them seemed to break free from its shackles, yearning to be expressed.
A faint stinging sensation in her chest made Shen Yiqiu slightly uncomfortable, but it was bearable, and she didn’t complain.
Qin Qianrou walked with her arms crossed, her mind racing. Used to maintaining a high-intensity work rhythm, she rarely allowed herself to relax. Even during leisure time like this after-dinner stroll, she couldn’t help but think about work.
Suddenly, someone gently tugged at her arm. She stopped and looked at the person who had stopped her, puzzled.
Shen Yiqiu didn’t release her grip, but instead switched positions with her, gently pushing her towards the inside of the sidewalk. “You’re too focused on your thoughts, it’s safer to walk on the inside.”
Before Qin Qianrou could respond, Shen Yiqiu had already shielded her, creating a barrier between her and the passing vehicles.
Qin Qianrou pursed her lips, not rejecting this arrangement. “Thank you.”
Shen Yiqiu grinned, about to say “You’re welcome,” when she heard someone calling out “Qianrou” again. She marveled at how acute her hearing had become, able to pick out this name in such a noisy environment.
However, the person who appeared before them this time wasn’t Wen Yirong, but two tall, unfamiliar men.
“Qianrou, it really is you! I almost didn’t recognize you just now.”
The older man spoke first, the familiarity and casual affection in his tone easing Shen Yiqiu’s tension slightly.
As expected, the next moment, she heard Qin Qianrou call out, “Uncle.”
Oh dear, we’ve actually run into the uncles Aunt Wen warned us to avoid. Shen Yiqiu wondered if she should buy a lottery ticket, perhaps she would have an unexpected win.
However, when the younger man spoke, Shen Yiqiu’s amusement vanished completely.
She heard a gentle concern and warmth in his clear, refined voice, “Qianrou, why didn’t you call me when you came back?”