Chapter 6: 006
Qi SiJia fell ill the next morning. Drenched in the rain, followed by several popsicles, her weak constitution succumbed to a cold.
She woke up to Wei YunFang’s call.
Her breathing was congested, her nose blocked, her voice hoarse.
“Mom?” she croaked.
“The buildings in your development area are being demolished next month.” Wei YunFang was surrounded by people, about to enter court. She held the case files in one hand and clamped the phone between her chin and shoulder.
Her tone, still carrying the seriousness of her work, was brisk: “I bought you a house a few days ago, a villa in Chenghai, near the Third Ring Road. It’s a bit more modest than the one Qi Jun prepared. Come finalize the paperwork when you’re free.”
Wei YunFang’s definition of “modest” was simply slightly less extravagant than Qi Jun’s. Chenghai Villas weren’t the most expensive properties in Ning Cheng, but they were highly sought after, with a beautiful environment, excellent amenities, and a community of intellectuals.
Qi SiJia was about to say she’d already bought a place,
But Wei YunFang continued, finalizing the matter, “I’ll send Xiao Zhou to help you when you’re ready to move.”
Wei YunFang was doing well in Bei Cheng. She had a case in Paris this week and couldn’t return to Ning Cheng.
Plus, with Qi Jun in Ning Cheng, Wei YunFang avoided the city, rarely seeing Qi SiJia.
Remembering the last time she’d given Qi SiJia a haute couture dress was six months ago, she added, “I’m not sure if your size has changed. The head designer at Paris Fashion Week is collaborating with me. I’ll have her design a few pieces for you.”
Qi SiJia, a homebody, preferred loose pajamas and casual clothes when venturing out.
Last year’s haute couture gift from Wei YunFang was still hanging in her closet, untouched.
Frankly, Qi SiJia wasn’t interested in her parents’ expensive gifts.
But perhaps out of guilt or a desire to compensate, both Wei YunFang and Qi Jun showered her with gifts and money.
Wei YunFang was slightly better than Qi Jun; she personally selected her gifts. However, they were mostly impractical, left unused in Qi SiJia’s home.
Unable to refuse, Qi SiJia didn’t bother protesting.
Her voice stuffy, she mumbled, “Thanks.”
“No need for the paperwork. I just bought a property in Jinbiao Mingting yesterday, planning to move in soon.”
“Well, keep it for now then. The Chenghai villa is in your name.” Wei YunFang finally noticed something amiss in Qi SiJia’s voice, “Do you have a cold?”
Qi SiJia: “A little.”
Now paying attention, Wei YunFang realized Qi SiJia’s voice was almost gone, clearly more than “a little.”
She stopped looking at the files, her hair neatly pinned up, dressed in a suit. With a stern expression, she gestured for her assistant to go ahead, then moved to a corner, “Is this how Qi Jun takes care of you?”
“All these years, I thought he and I had the same goal, tacitly agreeing to make time…” Wei YunFang stopped mid-sentence.
Their messy divorce, their dramatic confrontations, neither of them had considered Qi SiJia’s feelings.
Qi SiJia’s current anxiety in crowded places was undoubtedly related to them.
Bringing up the past only caused pain.
Wei YunFang and Qi Jun weren’t good spouses, nor good parents.
After that incident five years ago, Qi SiJia could no longer be in crowds. Both Wei YunFang and Qi Jun regretted it, but changing their personalities or halting their careers was impossible. They could only take it slow.
Though they shared the goal of compensating their daughter after the divorce, neither was particularly attentive.
And Qi Jun had remarried.
Wei YunFang said, “No, I’ll come over as soon as court is adjourned.”
Qi SiJia interrupted: “No need!”
She wanted to say there was no need for the awkwardness.
Wei YunFang’s visit would inevitably lead to a lengthy, emotional conversation. After years of estrangement, Qi SiJia had nothing to reminisce about.
Not wanting to be disturbed, Qi SiJia called out “Mom,” hoping to dissuade her.
“I’m fine on my own. I’m planning to start working again.”
Wei YunFang’s hand loosened, her phone clattering to the floor.
She bent down to pick it up, but didn’t look up.
Her back against the wall, her limbs trembling, she said with barely contained emotion, “Good. I’m glad you’ve decided to move on.”
“It’s all up to you.”
Wei YunFang choked back tears, “I won’t come over. When you’re better, fly over to see me.”
Expecting no response, Wei YunFang patiently added, “Or I’ll come see you.”
After hanging up, Qi SiJia slept for another hour.
She sat up in bed and picked up the beige casual pants she’d taken off yesterday, folding the cuffs.
As she was about to put them on, a business card fell out.
Human Resources Agent: SA
Contact: 1867352648
“You want to…?” SA thought she’d misheard, checking the number repeatedly. Confirming it was indeed the wealthy client who’d bought a house yesterday,
SA couldn’t help but ask again,
“I’m helping you find a cleaning job?”
“Yes,” Qi SiJia said. “Is there an interview?”
SA: “No, no, no need.”
SA was shocked, her voice stammering.
Countless questions filled her mind. She wanted to ask why a multi-millionaire would want to compete with cleaning ladies.
But professionalism prevented her from asking such a tactless question.
SA said cautiously, “You can tell me your salary and location preferences.”
Qi SiJia replied indifferently, “No preferences.”
Her quick answer made SA even more uneasy: “The complex you bought a unit in happens to have openings. But the work is quite tiring, requiring cleaning at least two units and the common play area every day. Is that alright with you?”
Having already committed to “leaving the house,” Qi SiJia wouldn’t back down.
“No problem.”
Still in disbelief, SA confirmed several details with Qi SiJia.
Then she informed her that she could start next week.
SA didn’t know that Qi SiJia had carefully chosen this job. Firstly, even masked and fully covered, she wouldn’t look out of place.
Secondly, Qi SiJia wasn’t just looking for a part-time job to change her state; she needed the physical activity.
She’d abandoned her screenwriting career in the US five years ago, becoming a full-time author. She’d earned a decent income from copyrights. But the long hours, irregular sleep, lack of exercise, and high-pressure output had taken a toll on her health.
Like Big Orange, prolonged inactivity would weaken her bones.
Qi SiJia hadn’t given up on herself; she just struggled with social interaction.
She occasionally volunteered as a cleaner, a job that required minimal interaction.
She actually had considerable experience in this area.
After hearing Qi SiJia’s impressive cleaning resume, SA felt like she was recruiting a PhD for a state-owned enterprise.
So professional.
So serious.
A video introduction would make it perfect.
She blurted out her thoughts, then blushed.
Qi SiJia, instead of being offended, nodded seriously: “That’s easy, just a moment.”
SA almost cried: …
Why would a multi-millionaire who could even make a video resume compete with cleaning ladies?
It was terrifying.
Leave a Reply