Chapter 63 p2
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Qin Qianrou and Rong Fei parked in the same area and walked to the restaurant together.
“Qianrou, I’m working overtime on the weekend for you.”
Rong Fei was telling the truth; weekends were her busiest time, but she didn’t work every weekend. Maintaining a work-life balance was her principle, money could never be earned in its entirety, and she could always balance her work and her personal life.
In this regard, both Qin Qianrou and Li Wan were no match for her.
“Thank you.”
“We’re friends, no need for thanks.” Rong Fei swiped her card to unlock the door to her studio and led her inside. “But I am surprised you actually made an appointment for a consultation.”
This time, it wasn’t to consult about someone else, but about herself.
Rong Fei had guessed something must have happened during this trip back to Meng City when she received Qin Qianrou’s message. Initially, she had thought it would be like before, just a few questions, but Qin Qianrou had actually made a formal appointment.
“There are just some issues I can’t resolve on my own, and I’m afraid delaying it will only make it worse.”
Qin Qianrou liked the layout of Rong Fei’s studio, it always had a calming effect.
And today, there was no one else here, just her and Rong Fei.
“You’re willing to actively confront the issue, that’s already better than most people.” Rong Fei poured Qin Qianrou a cup of Earl Grey tea.
“I won’t give you anything too stimulating, I’m afraid it might upset you, and you won’t dare to come back.”
“It’s not that serious.” Qin Qianrou knew Rong Fei was joking, and her mood lightened slightly.
She took a few sips of tea, recalling the burning sensation on her lips from yesterday.
There were no visible marks anymore, but the memory was still vivid.
She had been restless that night, yet seeing Shen Yiqiu, she couldn’t bring herself to completely push her away. Shen Yiqiu interacting with Li Wan, although she knew there was no special meaning behind it, still made her feel uncomfortable. Qin Qianrou knew this wasn’t a good sign, but simply avoiding it wouldn’t solve the problem.
She needed a rational and objective perspective to help her untangle this situation.
“Should we continue with the previous topic?” Rong Fei wasn’t in a hurry to retrieve the previous file, but she still asked as a formality.
“No, let’s start a new one.”
Rong Fei, understanding, took out a new folder. She had known this day would come, just not so soon.
“What did you want to discuss?”
Qin Qianrou traced the rim of her teacup, her gaze deep in thought. She wasn’t hesitant about revealing her inner turmoil, but she wasn’t sure how to articulate it.
“A relationship issue. My relationship.”
Rong Fei was pleased by Qin Qianrou’s honesty; she had thought she would have to guide and coax her before she revealed her true intentions.
Qin Qianrou was always so straightforward, it was admirable.
“I’m having some relationship issues, I wanted your opinion.” Qin Qianrou slowly began; since she had decided to seek Rong Fei’s help, there was no point in hiding anything.
Shen Yiqiu had kissed her yesterday, and the thin veil of ambiguity between them had dissipated.
“I have feelings for someone much younger than me, and I can’t help but be… affected by her presence. But rationally, I know it’s wrong, I shouldn’t let these feelings develop.”
Rong Fei watched as Qin Qianrou delved into self-analysis, her expression increasingly troubled, a hint of bitterness in her eyes, and she couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy.
“I’ve tried to distance myself, to avoid her, but I can’t help but worry about her, care about her. Especially lately, I’ve become very possessive, I get upset over the smallest things related to her. Things that are actually… insignificant.”
Qin Qianrou poured out the feelings she couldn’t express to Shen Yiqiu, even if it wasn’t for the consultation, this was a safe space for her to release her emotions.
“Your concern shows that your feelings are genuine, it’s perfectly normal. Qianrou, you don’t have to be so hard on yourself. In modern society, all kinds of relationships exist, as long as they’re not illegal or immoral, there’s no need to conform to societal norms.”
Qin Qianrou smiled weakly, the bitterness intensifying.
“I know age isn’t the only factor in a relationship, but I am worried. I’m afraid she can’t differentiate between dependence and romantic love.”
Rong Fei was taken aback, she understood Qin Qianrou’s concerns. As someone of the same age, she knew the challenges of accepting someone much younger. That was why, when Shen Yiqiu had come to her for a consultation, she had remained neutral, neither encouraging nor discouraging her.
But she hadn’t expected this to be Qin Qianrou’s biggest concern.
“You should be able to sense whether it’s dependence or love through your interactions.” Seeing Qin Qianrou lost in thought, Rong Fei asked, “What about your own feelings? Is it just care and concern, or is it romantic love?”
Qin Qianrou opened her mouth, but the words wouldn’t come out. “I…”
Rong Fei, seeing her hesitation, knew she was still struggling.
“Ask yourself, do you feel a desire to be close to her? And when she’s being intimate with you, do you resist, or do you… enjoy it?”
Qin Qianrou knew the answer to this question, her heart had already given her the answer yesterday.
“I feel… desire.”
Yes, when she had been kissed so suddenly yesterday, she had been surprised, helpless, and flustered.
But later, recalling that brief, almost insignificant kiss, her heart had raced, a lingering warmth spreading through her chest.
She had felt it, that flutter in her heart, when Shen Yiqiu kissed her.
This much, she knew clearly.
“Have there been any other intimate interactions between you?”
Qin Qianrou hesitated, then nodded. “A few times.”
Rong Fei was slightly surprised and raised an eyebrow. “A few times?”
Qin Qianrou, realizing her slip, coughed slightly. “Hugs before, and… a kiss on the cheek.”
Rong Fei simply responded with an “Oh,” her tone neutral, making a few notes. “Anything else?”
Qin Qianrou’s cheeks flushed slightly, and she tried to maintain her composure. “A kiss on the lips yesterday.”
Rong Fei’s pen paused, she guessed Qin Qianrou must be embarrassed, so she tactfully didn’t look up.
After a moment, she looked up and said, “Your relationship has developed to this stage, your bodies have already given you the answer. Studies show that it’s common for younger people to admire and develop a psychological dependence on older individuals. But if there’s no deliberate seduction or manipulation from the older party, and the younger party initiates the intimate actions, then it suggests a natural, instinctive response.”
Rong Fei’s explanation was serious and professional, not simply meant to comfort Qin Qianrou. She sensed that Qianrou, perhaps because she cared too deeply about this relationship, was overthinking things.
“Qianrou, I’ve always admired your work ethic and your abilities, and I also appreciate your resilience and meticulous nature. But relationships aren’t like work, you don’t have to analyze and dissect every detail, questioning every action.”
Qin Qianrou’s confused and troubled thoughts finally found direction.
So, she had been questioning Shen Yiqiu’s feelings for her all along.
“Qianrou, if you’re certain you truly like her, and she’s also sincere, then why not give each other a chance? These days, relationships don’t require elaborate justifications to begin. Besides, you’re at the age where you should be experiencing love.”
“Am I that old?” Qin Qianrou suddenly became sensitive about her age.
“No, no, you’re in your prime. I’m even older than you. This is just a friendly suggestion, for your physical and mental well-being, you should consider starting a relationship.”
Shen Yiqiu had kissed her more than once, her gaze filled not only with admiration, but also with a burning intensity, carefully restrained, yet still making Qin Qianrou’s heart race.
Qin Qianrou knew that Shen Yiqiu also felt desire towards her.
The answer had been clear all along; she had simply been unwilling to face it.
Rong Fei, seeing the tension easing in her brow, knew she had finally understood.
“Love might seem complicated, but it’s actually quite simple. Your body is always honest, if you don’t resist or reject their touch, if you even want to be closer to them, then don’t doubt it, it’s definitely not just simple dependence.”
Rong Fei deliberately paused, waiting until Qin Qianrou looked up at her, then continued, “Of course, there’s another, more definitive way to confirm this, but I don’t recommend trying it lightly.”
“What is it?” Qin Qianrou, her meticulous nature always seeking confirmation, was intrigued.
“Sleep with them, and you’ll know if you truly like them.”
Qin Qianrou froze, then blushed deeply, glaring at Rong Fei.
Rong Fei, unfazed, calmly said, “I know this method isn’t suitable for you, which is why I don’t recommend it.”
Qin Qianrou, thinking of Shen Yiqiu’s gentle nature and the warmth of her soft body, blushed even deeper.
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