Chapter 7: Reaching an Agreement
Shen Yiqiu glared at her indignantly for a while, but couldn’t bring herself to say anything harsh. She had always been gentle and obedient, soft and carefree, living under her parents’ wings, sheltered from the harsh realities of the outside world.
If it weren’t for this sudden misfortune, she probably would never have imagined that one day she would need to be so cautious and calculating. After all, the words her parents had repeated most often were, “Our Xiao Qiu only needs to grow up simply and happily.”
As leading figures in the scientific field, her parents hadn’t set any strict demands for her. They only guided and disciplined her in terms of character and academic attitude. They never compared her to others in material aspects.
Although she had struggled alone in the world for several years after her parents’ death in her past life, maneuvering and grappling with Shao Qidong, ultimately losing, it still hadn’t completely changed Shen Yiqiu’s inherent nature.
Innate qualities, coupled with more than ten years of upbringing, wouldn’t be completely altered in just a few short years. During these few days in the hospital, Shen Yiqiu had tried to analyze why she had lost to Shao Qidong in her past life. She had to admit that it was largely because she couldn’t bring herself to be as unscrupulous as him; at least she still remembered she was a human being.
Qin Qianrou didn’t understand what was happening to her. It was her first time meeting Shen Yiqiu; they had no prior interaction, and she had only seen her name in news reports. Yet, she had this inexplicable feeling, a feeling that made her act out of character. Like just now, suddenly reaching out to touch the top of her head.
Even more surprising was that Qin Qianrou had actually initiated a joke. Although the joke wasn’t particularly funny, she had wanted to tease Shen Yiqiu.
As for the reason, Qin Qianrou would probably never admit that being called “Auntie” out of the blue had annoyed her.
“You…” Seeing Shen Yiqiu’s silence, Qin Qianrou couldn’t tell if she was truly angry, so she tried to initiate conversation.
“I want to be discharged. I don’t want to be restrained by others. But in my current situation, I can’t shake them off. Can you help me?” Shen Yiqiu blurted out her request, straightforward and honest.
From the earlier hint about Auntie Liu’s identity to this direct request, it was obvious that Shen Yiqiu’s freedom was restricted. Having gone too far with her teasing, Qin Qianrou knew when to be serious and began to ponder the situation.
Shen Yiqiu thought she was unwilling to help. After all, they were strangers, and Shao Qidong was a prominent business figure in Meng City, frequently appearing in media reports. No one would want to antagonize him.
Qin Qianrou didn’t rush to refuse, but instead said thoughtfully, “Can you honestly tell me what you’ll do if you gain complete freedom?”
Shen Yiqiu answered without hesitation, “Expose all of Dongsheng Group’s dirty secrets.”
Each word, spoken with conviction, was impactful.
“Are you sure you can uncover those things on your own? And aren’t you afraid of encountering even stronger resistance in the process?”
Shen Yiqiu turned to look at her. The amusement in Qin Qianrou’s eyes had vanished, replaced by an intense seriousness. Shen Yiqiu wondered, was she testing her, or putting her to the test?
Either way, Shen Yiqiu didn’t have many options; she had to do everything she could to gain Qin Qianrou’s trust.
She knew very well that Qin Qianrou was here tonight not because of her, Shen Yiqiu, but because of the potential exposé on Dongsheng Group. This famously righteous reporter would definitely be more interested in explosive news than anyone else.
So, all she could do was cater to her interests.
Meeting Qin Qianrou’s probing gaze, Shen Yiqiu raised her eyes resolutely and declared solemnly, “I’m not afraid! On the path to pursuing the light, who hasn’t stumbled a few times? Just get up and keep going.”
Her tone was resolute, like a warrior about to go into battle.
Such grand words, coming from Shen Yiqiu’s youthful, innocent face, seemed incongruous.
But Qin Qianrou didn’t laugh, because these seemingly ridiculous words expressed the very things she believed in.
If she didn’t believe in the pursuit of light, how could she withstand so much pressure, repeatedly challenging topics others dared not touch, tirelessly seeking the truth amidst difficult verification processes?
Shen Yiqiu didn’t realize her words had touched Qin Qianrou. Seeing her silence, she thought she was being overly dramatic.
“Even if it weren’t for the sake of light, I still need to investigate the cause of my parents’ accident.” Shen Yiqiu scratched her face lightly and added softly.
Qin Qianrou furrowed her brows and looked at her, “The accident? You suspect it wasn’t an accident?”
From the moment she met Shen Yiqiu, Qin Qianrou had sensed that this girl harbored many secrets. Although she didn’t fully trust her yet, she was gradually dropping hints, which made Qin Qianrou, as a reporter, feel a sense of anticipation.
Mentioning the accident brought back Shen Yiqiu’s sadness. Every time she thought about being separated from her parents, her heart ached.
Qin Qianrou didn’t treat Shen Yiqiu as an interview subject. She wasn’t on the clock, so she naturally wouldn’t be as restrained and composed as usual. Seeing Shen Yiqiu’s sadness, she subconsciously took two steps forward, moving closer to the bed again.
Without thinking, Qin Qianrou put her arm around Shen Yiqiu’s shoulder and drew her closer. Clearly, Shen Yiqiu hadn’t expected this and flinched at the contact, but didn’t resist. Her body stiffened for only a moment, then she greedily absorbed the rare warmth.
“The accident is still under investigation. The traffic police came by last time and said there would be results soon.” Shen Yiqiu leaned her face against Qin Qianrou, still sitting on the bed in a slightly awkward position.
“I understand how you feel, but we must respect the facts. Of course, I admit I’m very interested in the Dongsheng Group you mentioned. But I can’t completely believe your words just because I’m interested.”
While offering Shen Yiqiu comfort and encouragement, Qin Qianrou’s mind remained clear; she wasn’t easily swayed.
The person leaning against her chuckled softly and said, “That’s why you need to give me a chance, let me prove to you that everything I’m saying is true.”
Shen Yiqiu currently had no concrete evidence. Even with Qin Qianrou right in front of her, she couldn’t produce anything. If any other ordinary reporter had come to her ward tonight, they probably would have left already.
But Qin Qianrou was different; she wouldn’t let go of any clue easily. So, she stayed and listened to Shen Yiqiu patiently.
Both of them probed back and forth, their words laced with hidden meanings, simply wanting to gauge the other’s attitude.
Qin Qianrou wanted to know how much Shen Yiqiu knew about Dongsheng Group’s secrets, while Shen Yiqiu wanted to confirm how interested Qin Qianrou was in Dongsheng Group and Shao Qidong.
Although Qin Qianrou had a good reputation, this was a matter of life and death for her. In her desperation, Shen Yiqiu had grasped at this lifeline, but she wasn’t so naive as to blindly trust it. She needed to personally verify her choice.
Fortunately, Qin Qianrou’s reaction gave her hope.
Just then, there was a soft knock on the ward door. Shen Yiqiu, with her strong self-preservation instincts, immediately sat up straight.
Qin Qianrou turned and saw Li Wan entering from the doorway, but she stopped after only two steps.
A strong scent of perfume wafted in, different from Qin Qianrou’s light and elegant fragrance; this scent was very strong and pungent. Shen Yiqiu couldn’t help but rub her nose, almost sneezing.
“Sorry to interrupt.” Li Wan noticed the girl’s action, but refrained from commenting since she was a patient.
However, her indifferent tone was vastly different from her usual enthusiasm.
Li Wan ignored Shen Yiqiu and turned to Qin Qianrou.
“It’s almost time. Someone should be coming over soon.”
Li Wan must have seen Auntie Liu’s movements outside the ward. Hearing this, both people in the ward frowned.
Qin Qianrou nodded, indicating she would be out soon. Li Wan didn’t linger, quietly closing the door behind her as she left.
Shen Yiqiu became anxious. Although the conversation had progressed as she had hoped, Qin Qianrou was about to leave after less than half an hour. What about her? After tonight, she would be a puppet at the mercy of others.
“How about we make a deal?” Qin Qianrou turned and suggested quickly.
“Tell me.”
“I’ll help you get discharged, and you tell me about the clues related to Dongsheng Group.”
It sounded like an enticing offer.
Shen Yiqiu was about to agree, but stopped herself.
“No, that won’t do.”
Qin Qianrou was truly puzzled. The purpose of calling her to the hospital tonight was clear. Since she could help her get discharged, the exchange wasn’t unreasonable. Why the sudden change of mind?
“I can’t just give you the clues and let you investigate on your own,” Shen Yiqiu explained.
“Do you really want to investigate this alone?”
Qin Qianrou thought, this girl was so naive that she didn’t know what to say. Had she watched too many movies and actually believed she could infiltrate the enemy camp and uncover the truth with just her courage?
Over the years, she had experienced and participated in investigations and interviews for many major cases. Whether learned through interviews with investigators afterward, or from her own reflections after fieldwork, every experience was unsettling.
The more formidable the subject of investigation, the more difficult and dangerous the process. Qin Qianrou had even received death threats, but she had bravely persevered due to her professional ideals.
Her situation was different from Shen Yiqiu’s. Investigating Dongsheng Group was her job, her responsibility. Shen Yiqiu providing valid clues could greatly reduce the possibility of detours and wasted time, making the investigation smoother.
But this didn’t mean she was willing to involve Shen Yiqiu, especially since she was now an orphan.
Shen Yiqiu didn’t give Qin Qianrou a chance to persuade her, continuing, “Without my guidance, you’ll be in danger.”
Qin Qianrou was startled and subconsciously asked, “What?”
“Dongsheng Group’s position and influence in Meng City are well-known. Even if you’re a famous reporter, it won’t be easy to conduct an in-depth investigation. Moreover, once this kind of thing starts, you either see it through to the end, or you give up halfway due to pressure. But even giving up can’t prevent retaliation, can it?”
Shen Yiqiu spoke calmly and fluently, as if reciting a textbook example. However, for Qin Qianrou, it was like reliving her past interview experiences. It was indeed as she said.
There was no turning back once the arrow was released. The more prominent the interview subject, the more she had to brace herself and press on.
“But you’re still a child. Even if you help me, it won’t prevent the dangers you just mentioned.”
“Two people are better than one. Just let me help you, okay?”
Qin Qianrou wouldn’t budge, perhaps subconsciously feeling that Shen Yiqiu had suffered enough and unwilling to let her get involved in what was bound to be a chaotic situation after her discharge. Shen Yiqiu should focus on recovering, both physically and mentally, after leaving the hospital.
Thinking this, Qin Qianrou stood her ground. Time ticked by, neither willing to concede. As long as one of them relented, tonight’s agreement would be reached.
Faint footsteps echoed in the corridor, followed by hushed conversations; it was Li Wan talking to Auntie Liu.
Qin Qianrou glanced at Shen Yiqiu and found that she was also looking at her. But on the girl’s small face was the same persistence as before.
Reporter Qin sighed inwardly and decided to appease her for now.
“I’ll agree to your terms for now. You can assist me with the investigation. But the extent of your assistance is up to me.”
This was Qin Qianrou’s final concession. Shen Yiqiu knew when to stop and quickly nodded in agreement. She knew that if she refused again, Qin Qianrou wouldn’t give her another chance to bargain.
“Then I’ll come to the hospital tomorrow to finalize your discharge.”
Thinking about the person who would be coming to the hospital tomorrow morning, Shen Yiqiu anxiously requested, “Can you come at six? I mean six in the morning.”
“So eager to be discharged?” Qin Qianrou was slightly amused. Coming tomorrow only meant arranging for the discharge; it didn’t mean she could take her away immediately.
“Someone will be coming to the hospital to cause trouble for me tomorrow, so I need someone to help me.” Since they were being frank, there was no need to hide this matter. Shen Yiqiu knew Qin Qianrou preferred directness, and she didn’t want to deceive her.
Qin Qianrou understood and agreed without hesitation.
She picked up her handbag from the foot of the bed. Just as she was about to leave, she saw Shen Yiqiu suddenly close her eyes, looking as if she was in pain.
Worried about her discomfort but not daring to touch her casually, Qin Qianrou leaned closer to observe carefully, “Are you feeling unwell?”
Shen Yiqiu’s complexion quickly returned to normal. She opened her eyes, looking at Qin Qianrou close at hand, a hesitant look flitting across her eyes.
Qin Qianrou naturally saw it, but didn’t understand why Shen Yiqiu would suddenly act this way.
Just as she was puzzled, she heard Shen Yiqiu say in an uncertain tone, “When you leave, take the stairs, don’t take the elevator.”
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