Chapter 49 p1
When Shao Ze saw them arrive, he put down his magazine and walked over. It was only a short distance, but Shen Yiqiu clearly saw his expression shift from indifference to a bright smile, clearly delighted to see them.
Shen Yiqiu thought glumly, Perhaps he’s just happy to see Jiejie and is just being polite to me.
Shao Ze’s first words upon approaching were, “I told the chef about the dish you liked last night, he’s making it tonight as well.”
Shen Yiqiu’s heart sank a little further. As expected, they had dined together last night.
Lost in thought, she stared blankly at the carpet, completely ignoring Shao Ze’s attempts to catch her attention.
Shao Ze had no choice but to call out to her, “Shen Yiqiu, why are you ignoring me?”
A gentle complaint, veiled in casual tolerance, making it clear he wasn’t offended, just trying to make conversation.
“Hello.”
Shen Yiqiu’s stiffness was even more pronounced than their previous meeting, and Shao Ze looked at her, puzzled. Qin Qianrou, who had her back to them, finally noticed something was amiss.
Shao Ze knew his presence would hinder their conversation, so he excused himself to check on the kitchen and slipped away. Qin Qianrou saw Shen Yiqiu still staring at the carpet, seemingly fascinated by it, and felt a little puzzled.
“You don’t like it here?”
Shen Yiqiu looked up. “No, it’s so beautiful and luxurious, how could I not like it?”
All objective observations, not revealing her true feelings at all.
Qin Qianrou frowned slightly and asked again, “Are you unhappy to see Shao Ze?”
Shen Yiqiu’s hand, hanging by her side, suddenly tightened around the hem of her pants, her gaze darting around. She didn’t know how to answer this question.
“It’s alright, he just likes to joke around. If you don’t like his way of interacting, I’ll tell him to be more mindful.”
Qin Qianrou’s words, instead of comforting Shen Yiqiu, filled her with a faint pang of jealousy.
Be more mindful in the future… does that mean Shao Ze will be a constant presence in their lives?
Oh, it’s not like that. It’s Jiejie and Shao Ze, with her as an outsider. So she’s the extra one.
The bitterness in Shen Yiqiu’s heart intensified, and she couldn’t help but ask, “Is Shao Ze Jiejie’s family?”
Qin Qianrou nodded without hesitation. “Yes, he’s family. Although he almost wasn’t.”
She recalled the time he had been kicked out of his home, not even allowed to be called Wen Shao Ze, it had been truly humiliating. Everyone had thought her uncle was truly severing ties with him and had forbidden anyone from contacting Shao Ze.
But blood was thicker than water, and after some time, the conflict subsided, and with Wen Yirong mediating, Shao Ze was finally able to return home.
Shen Yiqiu understood; it was pretty much as she had guessed. Now it seemed Jiejie and Shao Ze’s relationship was confirmed, so he was considered family.
A sudden stinging sensation in her nose, her fingers numb from gripping her pants too tightly, she continued holding on instinctively. However, this didn’t alleviate the tightness in her chest, and she felt the tears she had been holding back threatening to spill over.
Wen Yirong’s voice came from behind. Just as Qin Qianrou was about to speak, Shen Yiqiu suddenly asked, “Where’s the restroom?”
Her voice was urgent, as if she couldn’t wait a second longer. Qin Qianrou, thinking she was unwell, pointed her in the right direction.
Wen Yirong, before even approaching, saw Shen Yiqiu hurrying away.
“What’s wrong? Rushing to the restroom before even starting dinner?”
Qin Qianrou looked away and turned to her mother. “She might be feeling a little unwell.”
“I was just joking, you don’t have to be so concerned.”
Qin Qianrou looked at her helplessly. She and her mother were truly different. Shao Ze, however, was more like Wen Yirong, which was probably why she favored him among her younger relatives.
Wen Yirong put her arm around her daughter’s shoulders. It had been a while since she had hugged her.
“Look at you, you’ve lost weight.”
“My weight hasn’t changed.”
“Tsk, you’ve lost weight, I’ve been holding you since you were a child, I know.”
Qin Qianrou didn’t argue, relaxing her body, enjoying this rare moment of maternal affection.
Wen Yirong’s concern had always been there, but with the distance between them, it hadn’t felt as tangible.
Wen Yirong held her daughter tightly, reluctant to let go. After a while, she sighed softly.
“Xiao Rou, have you really not considered returning to Hai City?”
Since her daughter had been coming back so frequently lately, perhaps her resistance to Hai City wasn’t as strong as before? Hope flickered in Wen Yirong’s heart. The older she got, the more she wanted her children close by.
“Mom, I don’t want to yet.”
Wen Yirong was slightly disappointed but didn’t show it. Her daughter’s change of heart would take time. She wasn’t in a hurry, she could wait.
She changed the subject, pulling Qin Qianrou to sit down on the sofa. “When are you going back then?”
“Tomorrow afternoon.”
“So soon?”
Qin Qianrou instinctively glanced towards the restroom; Shen Yiqiu hadn’t come out yet.
She turned back and continued her conversation with her mother.
“I’ve finished the main things I came here for, and I have other matters to attend to in Meng City.”
Wen Yirong nodded understandingly. Her daughter was a workaholic, she had known this for a long time. But the thought of her leaving again tomorrow made her reluctant.
“Then stay here tonight.”
Qin Qianrou considered it, then agreed.
Wen Yirong, surprised by her ready agreement, her face beaming with joy, immediately got up to instruct the housekeeper to prepare a guest room.
Qin Qianrou, however, was thinking that staying here meant having separate rooms, so she wouldn’t have to be in such close proximity to Shen Yiqiu. They would be home tomorrow night, and everything would return to normal, this distance was just right.
**
Shen Yiqiu looked at herself in the mirror, berating herself for being so weak. Why was she crying? She hadn’t thought she would cry over such a small matter, but Shao Ze’s presence made her so uncomfortable, she felt a sense of grievance and fear, as if Jiejie would no longer be just hers.
She imagined Qin Qianrou frequently dining with Shao Ze in the future, perhaps going shopping, watching movies, or even going on weekend trips together. Then, she would be left alone at home, eating alone, even if she prepared a table full of dishes, only she would be there to enjoy them.
Just imagining this brought tears to Shen Yiqiu’s eyes again. She wiped her tears, repeatedly reminding herself, Shen Yiqiu, you can’t let your selfish desires ruin Jiejie’s happiness.
Such a wonderful person like Jiejie, how could she remain alone, and she certainly wouldn’t always be there for her.
Shen Yiqiu finally accepted the harsh reality: one day, she would lose Qin Qianrou.
She just didn’t want that day to come so soon. But Shao Ze seemed so perfect. Just standing together, they were a dazzling and harmonious pair.
Shen Yiqiu’s face turned even paler, her eyes losing their usual brightness. She was dissatisfied with herself, being a guest at someone’s home, and hiding in the restroom before even exchanging a few words, how rude.
Even if she would have less time with Jiejie in the future, she had to cherish every moment now. Jiejie bringing her to this family dinner meant she considered her someone close.
Shen Yiqiu stared at her reflection for a long time. “Shen Yiqiu, don’t expect too much.”
Having composed herself, she tidied up her appearance and walked out.
Qin Qianrou wasn’t waiting for her at the door, but as soon as she emerged, she felt a gaze upon her. She looked up and saw Qin Qianrou looking at her.
“Feeling better?”
Shen Yiqiu nodded awkwardly and walked over.
“You were in there for a long time, are you sure you’re alright?”
“I’m fine, probably just nervous.”
Qin Qianrou studied her. Apart from her pale complexion, there didn’t seem to be anything wrong.
But she was still a little concerned. “If you’re not feeling well, just tell me, don’t force yourself, okay?”
“Okay.”
As they were talking, Wen Yirong came downstairs with the housekeeper.
“Yiqiu, are you alright?”
Shen Yiqiu looked over and, seeing Wen Yirong’s smile, sweetly greeted, “Hello, Aunt Wen. Sorry for intruding today.”
“Why are you suddenly so polite? You weren’t this formal last time. Just a casual dinner, don’t be so constrained.”
“I haven’t properly thanked you for the clothes you gave me last time, thank you.”
Shen Yiqiu’s politeness and well-mannered behavior made Wen Yirong reluctant to tease her. After a brief exchange, she went to attend to the dinner preparations, shooing Shao Ze back to the living room.
“You young people should chat amongst yourselves. With me, an elder, around, you’ll probably feel constrained.”
Shao Ze shrugged helplessly. “Look at me, always being shooed around, as if I’m unwelcome everywhere.”
Qin Qianrou ignored him and led Shen Yiqiu to the sofa. Shao Ze followed and sat in his previous single-seater.
“Qianrou, you’re so cold and heartless, not even offering me a few words of comfort seeing me so pitiful.”
“Stop playing the victim, it’ll only garner sympathy for your plight.”
Shen Yiqiu still rarely spoke, but she was no longer as detached and withdrawn as before. Shao Ze glanced at her and saw a faint smile on her lips, as if she had been listening attentively to their conversation.
However, the smile seemed a little stiff.
Shao Ze paused, then said to Shen Yiqiu, “Is she always like this at home? So boring and heartless, right?”
Shen Yiqiu instinctively shook her head. “Jiejie is very nice.”
At home, Qin Qianrou wasn’t this cold and distant, and she was truly very good to her.
Shao Ze seemed to have suffered another blow and said unhappily, “Qianrou, how can you be so biased? Don’t I deserve your kindness and gentleness?”
The resentment and dissatisfaction in his tone were evident, and Shen Yiqiu bit her lip, wondering if she had said something wrong.
She glanced at Qin Qianrou, who didn’t seem offended.
“Shao Ze, how old are you? Why are you even competing for this?”
Just as Shao Ze was about to speak, Qin Qianrou added, “Don’t bully her, is this how you treat a guest?”
Shao Ze gave up completely, obediently accepting her words.
Although it was Qin Qianrou who had come to her rescue, shielding her from Shao Ze’s teasing, Shen Yiqiu could only pretend to be happy, her heart feeling cold. Jiejie’s words had been clear: Shao Ze was family, while she was a guest.
The distinction between closeness and distance was clear, but Shen Yiqiu wouldn’t show her disappointment.
Qin Qianrou’s uncle arrived just before dinner, exchanged a brief greeting with Shen Yiqiu, and then they all sat down. To Shen Yiqiu’s surprise, she was seated next to Qin Qianrou, with Wen Yirong on her other side.
Shao Ze, however, sat on the opposite side with Qin Qianrou’s uncle, an empty seat between them. This arrangement was a bit strange, but being seated next to Jiejie, Shen Yiqiu didn’t bother trying to figure out the reason.
Tonight, the person sitting beside Qin Qianrou was her.
The dinner wasn’t too formal. The elders simply inquired about their current situations, asking about their health, work, or studies. Their concern was appropriate and not overly intrusive.
Towards the end of the meal, after dessert was served, Qin Qianrou’s uncle suddenly spoke.
“You’re all grown up now, you can’t just focus on work, you should also start thinking about your personal lives.”
Shen Yiqiu mechanically spooned some tangyuan into her mouth, the faint sweetness of the fermented rice making her slightly lightheaded.
Qin Qianrou, as always, remained calm. “I don’t want to consider that yet.”
Shao Ze’s reaction, however, was much more dramatic. Seeing his agitated state, Shen Yiqiu thought he was trying to persuade Jiejie.
To her surprise, he exclaimed, “I don’t want to get married! I definitely won’t get married!”
The elders’ expressions darkened, especially Qin Qianrou’s uncle, his displeasure evident.
However, with Shen Yiqiu present, they couldn’t speak freely.
“Do you even know what you’re saying? You still haven’t figured things out?”
Shao Ze stood his ground, his tone firm. “It’s precisely because I’ve thought it through clearly that this is my true intention.”
His past indecisiveness and hesitation had hurt both himself and others, wasting so many years. If he continued down this path, his life would be completely ruined.
His uncle threw his napkin on the table, seemingly having lost his appetite.
“Fine, since you’ve made up your mind, I won’t force you.” Then, he looked at Qin Qianrou. “Xiao Rou, are you also going to indulge him like this?”
Shen Yiqiu’s heart tightened. She bit her spoon, not daring to move, but she immediately turned to look at Qin Qianrou.
“Uncle, marriage is a serious matter, it shouldn’t be taken lightly, and it shouldn’t be forced. Since Shao Ze has made up his mind, why should I say anything?”
The implication being that she didn’t object.
Wen Yirong tried to ease the tension. “It’s a rare family dinner, there’s no need to discuss such matters today. Besides, you’re scaring Yiqiu, she’s our guest, why bring this up now?”
Then, she turned to Shao Ze. “Shao Ze, if you have any thoughts, you can communicate them properly. There’s no need to be so confrontational with your father, you know he’s not in good health.”
Shao Ze was rendered speechless by Wen Yirong’s words, lowering his head in silence.
Shen Yiqiu, however, was stunned. Father…?
So, Shao Ze is…
Qin Qianrou, noticing Shen Yiqiu’s reaction, realized she hadn’t formally introduced Shao Ze’s identity.
She leaned closer and whispered in Shen Yiqiu’s ear, “Shao Ze is my uncle’s son, my older brother.”
So that’s it, he’s her brother, they are indeed family.
Hee hee, the weight on her heart seemed to instantly vanish, replaced by a surge of joy.
Shen Yiqiu’s sudden bright smile startled Qin Qianrou, then she saw the frown that had been etched on her face all evening finally disappear, replaced by a genuine, pure, and radiant smile.
This smile was infectious, and Qin Qianrou couldn’t help but smile as well. The awkwardness that had lingered all evening seemed to instantly dissipate.
Shen Yiqiu happily finished her bowl of tangyuan. As she stood up to leave, she felt a little lightheaded, almost losing her balance.
A hand steadied her, the voice slightly stern, “You felt dizzy and still finished the entire bowl, you don’t know how to take care of yourself!”
Shen Yiqiu recognized Jiejie’s voice and leaned against her, feeling more stable.
Knowing Shao Ze’s identity had revitalized her. She had so much to say to Qin Qianrou, eager for the dinner to end so they could return to the hotel.
But why was Qin Qianrou leading her upstairs?
“Jiejie, aren’t we going back?”
Shen Yiqiu’s face was flushed, her eyes filled with innocent confusion. She trusted and relied on Qin Qianrou completely, and even though she was starting to feel dizzy, she still unquestioningly followed her lead.
Wherever she led, she would follow.
“We’re staying here tonight.”
Qin Qianrou followed the housekeeper, leading Shen Yiqiu to the guest room.
She let her sit on the bed for a while, and seeing that she had stabilized, prepared to leave.
Shen Yiqiu, however, anxiously grabbed the corner of her clothes. “Jiejie, where are you going?”
Qin Qianrou turned around, looked down at where she was being held, and said gently, “I’m in the next room.”
“Oh.”
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