Little Bodyguard(GL) 72

Chapter 72

With Li Qinyue’s involvement, the crowd of onlookers grew larger.

The girl said her name was Zhang Yue and explained what had happened.

Just as Li Qinyue had guessed, she had been lured into the salon with a “free trial” offer. After a series of treatments, they presented her with a bill for 3888 yuan.

The amount elicited gasps from the crowd. The girl was on the verge of tears, “They said it was free, they pulled me inside. I’m just a college student, I don’t have that kind of money.”

Li Qinyue thought to herself, You wasted your college education if you fall for this kind of scam.

But she gently patted the girl’s back and said, “In this situation, it’s best to call the police, they’ll mediate.”

The girl pursed her lips.

Li Qinyue glanced at the Master, then said to the girl, “But you’ll still have to pay something.”

The girl said, “I don’t have any money.”

She tried to pull her hand away from Li Qinyue’s.

Li Qinyue took a deep breath, suppressing her urge to curse, and asked the Master with a smile, “Master, what do you think we should do?”

The Master said, “Don’t you already know?”

Li Qinyue nodded, “Okay, then we’ll do as you say, Master.”

Master: Did I say anything?

Li Qinyue pointed at the group of salon workers who were being held back by Zhuo Zhi, “Don’t worry, just wait for the police to arrive. They’ll be here soon, it won’t affect your scamming business.”

“We’re not afraid! We have a business license, we’re a legitimate business!” the man whose pants had ripped shouted, clutching his leg.

Li Qinyue had already dialed the police, the corners of her lips twitching, “You can tell that to the police.”

Zhuo Zhi glanced at Li Qinyue, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

You little rascal, Li Qinyue thought, I’m only being so polite because of you.

She explained the situation to the police, and they arrived in less than five minutes.

Two young officers pushed through the crowd. The one holding the body camera was Fang Yi.

Fang Yi met Li Qinyue’s gaze. She opened her mouth, but couldn’t speak.

Fang Yi paused, probably swallowing the words “what a coincidence”.

He didn’t speak much. It was the other officer who questioned the salon staff and mediated. Li Qinyue let go of Zhang Yue’s hand, letting the police handle the situation.

Zhang Yue started crying, pointing at her hair and complaining to the police.

Li Qinyue tugged at Zhuo Zhi’s arm, “Let’s go.”

Fang Yi looked over at them.

Li Qinyue didn’t look back as she pulled Zhuo Zhi away. But the Master suddenly said, “That officer wants to talk to you.”

Li Qinyue said with a smile, “It’s fine, it’s fine, we’re just being good Samaritans, we have nothing to do with this anymore.”

The Master said, “He’s been looking at you for a long time, don’t you find him familiar?”

Li Qinyue suddenly remembered, the Master had seen Fang Yi at the back door of the bar that day.

Her feelings were complex. She pulled Zhuo Zhi behind her, shielding her, then turned to Fang Yi and asked, “Is there anything else, Officer Fang?”

Fang Yi glanced at Zhuo Zhi, who was hidden behind Li Qinyue.

Li Qinyue said righteously, “Zhuo Zhi is still young, it’s not good for her to be fighting all the time. We don’t want her to resort to violence unless absolutely necessary.”

Then she had a sudden thought, turning to the Master with a flattering smile, “Isn’t that right, Master?”

With outsiders present, the Master gave her some face and nodded.

Li Qinyue immediately felt emboldened, “See, her guardian agrees with me. So, that’s it then, Officer Fang, continue with your work, we’re leaving.”

Seeing that they were about to leave, Fang Yi finally said, “I have something to tell you.”

Li Qinyue inwardly groaned, turning back with a forced smile, “Go ahead.”

“Officer Zhao wants to know if Zhuo Zhi is interested in being an auxiliary police officer,” Fang Yi said.

“What?” With no context or explanation, Li Qinyue couldn’t hold back anymore and her voice rose sharply.

Zhuo Zhi, on the other hand, was excited. She immediately came out from behind Li Qinyue and stood in front of Fang Yi.

Li Qinyue pulled her back.

“Explain yourself,” Li Qinyue’s mind was racing.

“It’s like this…” Fang Yi started, but the other officer called him over.

Li Qinyue waved her hand impatiently, “Don’t bother, I’ll ask Officer Zhao myself.”

This time, without any hesitation, she pulled Zhuo Zhi away quickly.

The street was crowded, and Li Qinyue’s annoyance grew.

Zhuo Zhi followed behind her, weaving through the crowd. When Li Qinyue stopped abruptly, Zhuo Zhi bumped her head against her arm.

“Wait,” Li Qinyue came to her senses and looked around, “Where’s Master?”

“Here,” the Master’s cold voice came from the side.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” Li Qinyue apologized before even turning around, “I was too angry, I forgot…”

“It’s fine,” the Master interrupted her.

Li Qinyue paused, then said, “Master, let’s go home.”

The Master nodded. Li Qinyue immediately opened the ride-hailing app and called a taxi.

As they waited for the car, the atmosphere was awkward. The Master didn’t ask what was going on, and Li Qinyue didn’t want to explain in this environment.

So, she could only make small talk, “Master, there are a few scenic spots around Nanhai, they’re quite fun, I’ll rent a car tomorrow and take you guys there, I’m a good driver, just don’t have a car now.”

Zhuo Zhi, remembering Li Qinyue’s reckless driving on the mountain road, said, “Yes, she’s a very good driver.”

“I know Nanhai better than you,” the Master said dismissively.

“Ah, we don’t have to go out if you don’t want to. What do you want to eat tomorrow, Master? I’ll cook for you,” Li Qinyue had never been so eager to please.

“You can cook?” The Master looked at her.

“No,” Li Qinyue didn’t dare to lie under the Master’s stern gaze. She could only smile and say, “But I can learn, I’m quite smart.”

Zhuo Zhi immediately said, “Yes, very smart.”

The Master glared at her, and Zhuo Zhi didn’t dare to speak anymore.

The taxi finally arrived. Li Qinyue opened the front passenger door and got in.

Separated by the seats, with the radio playing, the atmosphere was much better.

The taxi drove from the bustling city center to the quiet White Birch Lane, stopping at the entrance of the complex.

Li Qinyue got out, opened the door for the Master, and the three of them walked into the complex. The night was dark. Before they even reached their building, Li Qinyue heard the familiar sounds of arguing coming from downstairs.

Half a month later, the couple couldn’t hold it in anymore.

But Li Qinyue was a well-behaved good Samaritan now. The couple was arguing fiercely, but the woman wasn’t screaming like last time.

Li Qinyue had no reason to rush down there with a cleaver.

Zhuo Zhi, however, kept glancing at her, her eyes full of meaning.

The Master didn’t speak. When they reached their apartment door, she asked, “Do you know them?”

Zhuo Zhi quickly understood what she meant and said, “Not really, they fight often. Last time it was quite loud, so Sister Qinyue went to check on them.”

Tsk, pushing the blame onto her. Li Qinyue quickly said, “The woman was screaming so loudly, I was afraid something bad had happened.”

“Hmm,” the Master hummed, not pursuing the topic.

As they entered the apartment, Li Qinyue felt a mix of emotions.

There were many new things in the apartment, paintings on the walls, small ornaments on the table, and flower pots on the windowsill.

If she went into the kitchen, the refrigerator would probably be full.

Zhuo Zhi was a person who brought warmth and life to a place, and so was her master. The two of them, together in this small but cozy apartment, felt like they belonged.

Li Qinyue felt like an outsider.

She lingered at the door. Zhuo Zhi brought her slippers and placed them by her feet.

“Are you cold, Sister?” Zhuo Zhi asked.

“No, it’s just…” Li Qinyue looked down, “Should I wear these?”

Zhuo Zhi was confused, “Of course.”

The Master glanced at her, “This is your home.”

“Oh, right,” Li Qinyue said with a smile, “I haven’t been back for a few days, I’m a little disoriented.”

The Master stared at her for a while.

After changing her shoes, Li Qinyue noticed the Master’s gaze and quickly waved her hands, “Master, I didn’t mean it like that.”

“Hmm,” the Master responded curtly.

She was so imposing, Li Qinyue felt herself tremble slightly, “I’ll call Officer Zhao and ask about Zhuo Zhi’s situation.”

“Okay,” the Master turned and went into the kitchen.

Zhuo Zhi stuck her tongue out at Li Qinyue and whispered, “It’s fine, Sister, just give it a couple more days.”

“Will it be fine?” Li Qinyue asked, “Did I talk too much and annoy her?”

“No,” Zhuo Zhi pouted, “Master is usually quite talkative.”

“Oh, then she still hates me,” Li Qinyue thought she had become addicted to playing the victim, her voice pitiful.

“No, no, no,” Zhuo Zhi took her hand, looking at her sincerely, “You’re the best, Sister, who wouldn’t like you? It’s just our relationship, it’ll take Master some time to accept it.”

“I know,” Li Qinyue patted her hand and sat down on the sofa. “Let’s talk business.”

At first, Zhuo Zhi wasn’t allowed to interrupt their business discussion.

Li Qinyue called Officer Zhao and learned the reason.

There had been a surge in petty crimes before the New Year, and the police station was extremely busy, running around day and night. Zhuo Zhi had performed well before, and then Fang Yi had mentioned that she was looking for a job at the boxing gym, so Officer Zhao had the idea of recruiting her as an auxiliary police officer.

Li Qinyue also clarified other details. It could be a temporary position until the end of the school holidays. If Zhuo Zhi performed well and was willing, they could sign a long-term contract.

The salary was the same as a regular entry-level officer, but because she wasn’t officially part of the police force, there would be no bonus or benefits in the short term.

Zhuo Zhi, listening intently, was like a puppy eyeing a bone. Li Qinyue ignored her, and after hanging up, she took a piece of paper and started writing quickly.

The Master came out, carrying a teapot and three teacups.

Li Qinyue was surprised that there was a cup for her as well. She quickly thanked the Master.

Then she pushed the paper towards the Master, “Master, I just spoke with Officer Zhao from the police station, it’s basically like this. I’ve listed all the pros and cons that I could think of, please have a look.”

Zhuo Zhi leaned closer to read, but Li Qinyue pushed her head away with her hand.

The Master nodded and took the paper, reading carefully.

At the top of the page, she had written the salary and job description. Below that, she had listed the pros and cons.

Surprisingly, she hadn’t exaggerated the cons. Based on Zhuo Zhi’s situation, it was quite objective.

The Master took a sip of tea and raised an eyebrow, “Nice handwriting.”

“See! I told you Sister Qinyue has beautiful handwriting,” Zhuo Zhi leaned closer again. “But I’ve never seen her write so much.”

The Master raised her hand and, with the same motion as before, pushed Zhuo Zhi’s head away.

Zhuo Zhi sat down on the sofa, pouting.

“Very thorough,” the Master continued her assessment.

Li Qinyue rubbed her hands together, smiling shyly, “Thank you, Mas…”

“But,” the Master interrupted her.

Li Qinyue swallowed nervously.

“I sent Zhuo Zhi down the mountain to be your bodyguard, and now she has lost her job, and you two have become… this. Aren’t you going to explain?” the Master asked.

“Ah,” Li Qinyue stood up abruptly, “Master, I was just about to talk to you about that.”

“About how you’ll destroy anyone who tries to separate you?” the Master looked at her.

“Ah…” Li Qinyue paused, “That sounds like something I would say, but I didn’t say that.”

“I just summarized your meaning,” the Master said.

“When…”

“At the back door of the bar.”

Li Qinyue choked, feeling even more nervous.

She hadn’t expected the Master to have overheard her conversation with Fang Yi and Lan Xi.

She couldn’t help but glance at the other person involved. Zhuo Zhi shrugged slightly, confirming it.

Li Qinyue’s throat felt dry. She picked up her teacup and drank it in one gulp, “Good tea!”

“That’s not how you appreciate good tea,” the Master said.

“My grandfather always says the same thing to me,” Li Qinyue chuckled.

The Master’s lips twitched, “Your grandfather knows tea.”

Li Qinyue leaned closer and asked, “Are you and my grandfather close, Master?”

These past few days, Li Qinyue’s mind had been occupied by her relationship with Zhuo Zhi, so her mind was sharp today.

Since the Master had already overheard her declaration at the back door of the bar, there was no need to repeat how sincere and deep their love was.

After all, which parent would want to hear such exaggerated claims before even approving of the relationship?

Zhuo Zhi had been sent to her by her grandfather. Li Qinyue knew there must be some connection between their families, so she decided to play the relationship card.

After all, besides their shared gender, they were a perfect match, weren’t they? They knew each other’s backgrounds.

But the Master’s answer was firm and merciless, “We’re not close.”

“Ah, is that so…” Li Qinyue felt a little awkward.

“Your relationship has nothing to do with whether or not I’m close to your family,” the Master saw through her intentions. “If I were close to your family, wouldn’t it be even more troublesome?”

“That’s true,” Li Qinyue nodded.

“So, what’s your explanation?” the Master asked.

Li Qinyue suddenly felt that there was no point in beating around the bush. The Master was sharp, she could see right through Li Qinyue, who had already shown her sincerity. There was no need to hide anything anymore.

So, she sat up straight and said in a mature tone, “Master, there’s really nothing to explain. Two people are attracted to each other, they fall in love, what’s there to explain? I like Zhuo Zhi, Zhuo Zhi likes me, we confessed our feelings, we accepted each other, it’s that simple.”

“In everyone’s eyes, the only complication is that I’m a woman, and so is Zhuo Zhi. Master, to be honest, I’ve never been in a relationship before Zhuo Zhi. You might not believe me, with all my friends’ promiscuity, but it’s true. It’s not that I was intentionally abstaining, I just wasn’t interested.”

Li Qinyue paused and glanced at Zhuo Zhi, “I only became interested after meeting Zhuo Zhi. She’s the first person I’ve ever liked, the first person I want to be with seriously. What our future holds, whether we’ll fall for someone else, that’s for the future to decide. You’ve experienced a lot, Master, you wouldn’t believe any vows I make now anyway.”

“I’ll just talk about the present.” Li Qinyue tapped her finger lightly on the table, “We love each other sincerely, and we’re together, no one can separate us. We’re from different worlds, we’ve never even met before, and finally, we found love. The more you try to stop us, the more determined we’ll be.”

At this point, her emotions intensified, and she decided to lay all her cards on the table, “I know you came down here because my father or grandfather contacted you. They couldn’t change my mind, so they’re hoping you can change Zhuo Zhi’s.”

Li Qinyue glanced at Zhuo Zhi, “But you know your disciple, she might look soft, but she’s more stubborn than anyone.”

Li Qinyue smiled, “She’s as hard as steel, unyielding. If she wants to do something, nothing can stop her. That’s why I wrote on the paper, the biggest con of the job is the danger, and the biggest pro is that Zhuo Zhi will definitely love it.”

“Because of your teachings, Zhuo Zhi can overcome the cons. And because of your teachings, doing this job is her dream,” Li Qinyue looked at the Master earnestly. “If I’m not wrong, Zhuo Zhi didn’t go to college because you two disagreed on her choice of major, right?”

The Master’s hand holding the teacup paused, her eyes sharp.

Li Qinyue smiled, “Children grow up, you can’t stop them from doing what they want. I’m the perfect example, the more you try to control me, the more rebellious I become, it’s counterproductive.”

“You know that now,” the Master said softly.

“I do, I’m not a child anymore,” Li Qinyue said, “I know I’m childish, acting like a teenager at my age. But that’s because my family is treating me like one, so I have to act like one too.”

The Master put down her teacup and remained silent.

Li Qinyue looked at Zhuo Zhi, took her hand, and held it firmly, meeting the Master’s intense gaze, “The same applies to Zhuo Zhi. She has decided to be with me. You can’t pull us apart, you can’t change us. You might as well give us some space, let us breathe.”

Zhuo Zhi nodded vigorously, “Yes, Sister Qinyue is right.”

Li Qinyue smiled, “We have plenty of time, Master, just watch and see how your child lives her own life.”