Chapter 75
Qin Qianrou woke up feeling warm. The heating in the room was on full blast, but Meng City wasn’t a dry northern city. Winter mornings always had a period of damp coldness, and Qin Qianrou would usually burrow deeper under the covers.
But today was different. Behind her was a small, portable heater, radiating warmth continuously. She unconsciously shifted, wanting to escape the heat, but the moment her shoulder touched a cool spot, she was pulled back, the arm around her waist tightening, as if afraid she might escape.
Qin Qianrou wasn’t fully awake yet and found this clinginess slightly uncomfortable. She let out a soft groan, struggling a little more.
“Don’t go.” A sleepy murmur, even more muffled than hers, made Qin Qianrou realize the source of the heat.
Being at home, her mood lighter, her body more relaxed, her sleeping posture had also become less restrained, more natural than during those two nights in the hotel. Shen Yiqiu was holding her tightly, her head nestled against Qin Qianrou’s neck, her warm breaths tickling her skin.
“I’m hot.” Qin Qianrou complained softly.
Shen Yiqiu, still half-asleep, slightly loosened her hold, allowing Qin Qianrou to turn around, but she didn’t release her. Qin Qianrou had to pull the blanket down a little to cool down.
Just as she was about to drift back to sleep, her phone on the nightstand started buzzing. Afraid of waking the person beside her, Qin Qianrou reached for her phone, intending to get out of bed, but she was pulled back into a warm embrace.
“Don’t go.” The sleepy murmur came again, slightly louder than before, but just as clingy and soft.
Qin Qianrou looked back at the person, her eyes still closed, holding the phone in one hand, gently stroking Shen Yiqiu’s hair with the other.
She stopped struggling and leaned against the headboard, answering the phone, “Team Leader.”
Lin Shuangzhi’s voice was also slightly hoarse, but not from sleep, more like she hadn’t slept at all.
“Sorry to wake you so early, Qianrou.”
“It’s alright, what is it?”
Lin Shuangzhi calling at this hour couldn’t be a personal matter. Qin Qianrou was now fully awake, but her voice remained low, afraid of waking the person beside her.
“Are you free today?”
“I have time.”
Lin Shuangzhi hesitated briefly, then said, “Xiao Wan probably told you about the situation at the station. I thought we should discuss our strategy this weekend. It’s not a good time for you to return to the station yet, I’ll handle things next week.”
Qin Qianrou had also returned for this matter, although she wanted to spend more time with Shen Yiqiu, work took priority.
“Okay, tell me the time and place.”
“Is 9 am okay? At your place, if that’s convenient.”
Qin Qianrou was taken aback, 9 am was fine, but she hadn’t expected the meeting to be held at her apartment. Even if not at a restaurant or cafe, it should be at the team leader’s place.
Come to think of it, no one on the team had ever been to the team leader’s home. She was always working overtime, practically the last to leave. She would generously treat them to meals and drinks for celebrations, but she had never invited anyone over.
“Is that… inconvenient?”
Qin Qianrou collected her thoughts, glanced at the person beside her, who was now rubbing her eyes, and said, “It’s fine, see you then.”
After hanging up, Shen Yiqiu was also awake. She slowly sat up, leaning against the headboard beside Qin Qianrou.
“Do you have to go out today?”
“No.”
Shen Yiqiu was puzzled, she had clearly heard something about 9 am earlier.
“The team leader and Xiao Wan are coming over to discuss some things, they’ll be here at 9 am.”
Shen Yiqiu blinked and responded with a simple “Oh.”
Qin Qianrou pursed her lips, suppressing a smile, her gaze fixed on Shen Yiqiu’s face. As expected, a few seconds later, she finally realized the implications.
“Ah? Coming here at 9 am?” Shen Yiqiu grabbed her phone from the nightstand to check the time.
“It’s almost 7 am.”
Qin Qianrou chuckled, seeing her sudden panic.
“They’re coming to discuss work, why are you so anxious?”
Shen Yiqiu, however, oblivious to Qin Qianrou’s teasing, was mentally calculating the time, worried she wouldn’t be able to finish everything in time.
“You’re discussing work, and I have to be in charge of your meals.”
Qin Qianrou’s smile faded slightly, “You’re on break, you should rest, no need to go to so much trouble, we can order takeout, they don’t mind.”
Shen Yiqiu, however, explained earnestly, “Jiejie, I don’t mind the effort.”
She recalled how, whenever her father’s colleagues came over to work overtime, her mother would always bustle about, preparing food and drinks, taking care of them, not to save money on takeout, but to make them feel comfortable and energized.
“We can order takeout anytime, but Chef Shen’s culinary skills are a rare treat.”
Shen Yiqiu’s playful boasting made Qin Qianrou chuckle, but she knew it wasn’t just for show.
“I’m just worried you’ll tire yourself out, you have classes, and you’re still making food for us on weekends.”
In Qin Qianrou’s mind, preparing a meal wasn’t an easy task, especially having cooked with Shen Yiqiu before, she was even more impressed by her skills.
“I’ll make sure you can focus on your work, I can’t let you eat takeout even when you’re home.”
Shen Yiqiu, slightly anxious, gave Qin Qianrou a quick kiss on the cheek, then hurried to the bathroom to get ready. Watching her retreating figure, Qin Qianrou leaned against the headboard, a warmth spreading through her chest.
Shen Yiqiu had brought this home to life, not just because of her presence, her companionship, but also the warmth of being cared for.
She had someone now, someone who took care of her, so even when colleagues came over for work, they didn’t have to suffer through takeout, this was fundamentally different from battling it out in the office. Shen Yiqiu taking on this responsibility touched Qin Qianrou deeply.
This was more heartwarming than any expensive jewelry or extravagant gifts, Shen Yiqiu, with these small, everyday gestures, had captured her heart completely.
**
When Qin Qianrou emerged from the bathroom, breakfast was already on the table, and Shen Yiqiu, a piece of toast in her mouth, was about to leave.
“Jiejie, I’m going to the supermarket, I just remembered we need a few things, you eat your breakfast, I’ll be back soon.”
Always rushing, the tenderness in Qin Qianrou’s eyes deepened as she watched Shen Yiqiu hurrying away.
Li Wan arrived before Lin Shuangzhi and ran into Shen Yiqiu returning from the supermarket downstairs. She helped her carry two of the grocery bags, jokingly calling it her “weekend overtime perk.”
Shen Yiqiu busied herself in the kitchen, and Lin Shuangzhi called, saying she needed to retrieve some documents from the station and would be there in about fifteen minutes. So, Li Wan chatted with Qin Qianrou in the living room.
“I thought you would be coming with the team leader.”
Li Wan leaned against the back of the sofa, her spirits low.
“I live here, she lives at her place, why would we come together?”
Qin Qianrou was puzzled, it wasn’t about where they lived. She had thought the team leader would pick Li Wan up, after all, hadn’t she said that before hanging up?
“The team leader told me she would pick you up.”
Li Wan was taken aback, staring at Qin Qianrou in disbelief. “Really?”
Qin Qianrou nodded, she wasn’t so incompetent as to misunderstand such a simple statement.
Li Wan’s expression was a mix of emotions, her spirits sinking even further.
“What’s wrong?”
Li Wan sighed heavily. “She did ask me this morning if I needed a ride, and I said no.”
Qin Qianrou understood, so she had rejected the offer herself.
But then, she thought, Doesn’t Xiao Wan like the team leader? Why would she refuse a chance to spend more time with her?
Since being in a relationship, Qin Qianrou had become more perceptive.
“Did something happen between you two…?”
Li Wan fidgeted, unconsciously shifting in her seat, then playing with her hair.
“Just… nothing, really, same as always.”
This was as good as saying nothing at all.
Li Wan couldn’t even look at Qin Qianrou, her voice lacking conviction, whether she was telling the truth or not.
The soreness between her legs had only subsided two days ago, but whenever she thought of Lin Shuangzhi, the memories of that night resurfaced, every touch, every sensation, so vivid.
It was agonizing, just the memories alone were enough to make her lose her composure, how could she possibly remain calm in front of the real person?
So, these past few days, she had been subconsciously avoiding Lin Shuangzhi.
She thought, Even if I see her, it would only be a polite inquiry about my… condition. It’s better to avoid her, at least until I can regain my composure.
Qin Qianrou knew Li Wan too well, her current behavior was unusual, and she had been mentioning Lin Shuangzhi less frequently lately. Qin Qianrou had initially thought their relationship would progress during her training program.
Now, it seemed that wasn’t the case.
“Xiao Wan, did something happen to upset you?”
For the usually brave and straightforward Li Wan to become like this, it was likely a relationship setback.
A fleeting sadness flashed across Li Wan’s face, quickly masked.
She looked around and said casually, “Why would I be upset? If anything, Director Yu being promoted to be my superior is the most upsetting thing lately.”
Changing the subject back to work, Qin Qianrou knew Li Wan didn’t want to discuss her relationship. Her current demeanor was a stark contrast to her earlier excitement and eagerness, sharing details of her after-work drinks and movie date with Lin Shuangzhi, and Qin Qianrou couldn’t help but worry.
Just as she was thinking about how to offer comfort, Li Wan suddenly asked, “What stage have you and Shen Yiqiu reached?”
“What?”
Li Wan leaned closer, a mischievous glint in her eyes, and whispered, “You know, that stage?”
Qin Qianrou’s cheeks flushed slightly, and she pushed Li Wan away.
“Why are you so nosy?”
“I’m always nosy, you’re just realizing this now?”
Li Wan stared at Qin Qianrou, a smile playing on her lips, seeing the usually aloof and composed reporter blush.
This was a rare sight.
She glanced towards the kitchen, Shen Yiqiu, in a sweatshirt, was busy preparing food, seemingly unaware of their conversation.
This little one, not bad.
**
After Lin Shuangzhi arrived, Li Wan became strictly business. Qin Qianrou, observing them discreetly, realized the situation was more serious than she had thought.
It wasn’t that their relationship hadn’t progressed; it had regressed significantly.
However, none of them were prone to emotional outbursts, and once the conversation shifted to work, the atmosphere became more harmonious.
“There have been frequent meetings at the station lately, the management team restructuring has already begun, and it will gradually affect department heads, then key personnel.” Lin Shuangzhi paused, then continued, “You should all be prepared.”
Li Wan scoffed, “‘Restructuring’ sounds nice, but it’s just a euphemism for a major shakeup. Who’s behind this, trying to turn the entire station into their mouthpiece?”
Qin Qianrou hadn’t said much, but she was also deep in thought.
“Xiao Wan, the situation is indeed serious, so we can’t follow the usual procedures.”
Qin Qianrou sensed the underlying meaning in her words and was slightly surprised. “Team Leader, are you planning to…?”
“I’ve already gone to the city government, I’ve spoken to the relevant officials, it’s not just Director Yu, there are other questionable appointments as well, but the feedback wasn’t promising, so I have to escalate this further.”
Now, even Li Wan was worried.
“Escalating this further will involve more people, and they might not even listen to you. Although Meng City Television has some influence, it’s not significant enough for personnel changes to warrant a report to the provincial government.”
Moreover, doing this was a huge risk for Lin Shuangzhi’s career. Even if she succeeded, higher management might not view her favorably, they might see her as a rebellious and uncontrollable element.
And if she failed, the consequences were even more dire, her years of hard work and her established reputation would be ruined. Even if she transferred to another station, there would be repercussions.
Thinking of Lin Shuangzhi, working alone late into the night, countless times, Li Wan’s eyes burned, and she felt a lump forming in her throat.
Before Qin Qianrou could offer any comfort, a tissue appeared before her. She looked up and saw Lin Shuangzhi’s calm yet subtly emotional gaze.
She took the tissue, but still insisted, “I’m not crying, do you think I’m that easily moved?”
Lin Shuangzhi chuckled softly, her smile more strained than usual.
“I wanted to discuss my plans with you today, what I’ll do if I succeed, or if I fail.”
Qin Qianrou and Li Wan exchanged glances, it seemed Lin Shuangzhi had already made up her mind.
“Team Leader, I admire your courage, but I have to say, you should reconsider this carefully, once you take action, it might cause even more trouble.”
Lin Shuangzhi didn’t seem concerned. “I’ve been your team leader for so many years, don’t you think I understand this? Haven’t I said the same thing to you every time you came to me with your project proposals?”
And did you listen? You persisted anyway.
“I’m not some hero or savior, I’m just doing what I think is right. Think about it, if those people really take over, will there still be a place for our team? It might not even be long before our team ceases to exist. There will be no more investigative journalism, no more employees who dare to challenge those in power, no more reporters the public can trust and rely on.”
Lin Shuangzhi sighed, as if asking, Is that the outcome you want to see?
Li Wan was silent for a moment, then said, “Let me do it, my father has some connections, it might be easier for me to approach them.”
Regardless of who took action, the outcome of the matter itself was uncertain, but for the person involved, there was only one possible outcome: a negative one.
Whoever went, would suffer the consequences.
“Team Leader, Xiao Wan, I’m the one who’s been in charge of most of our programs, proposing ideas and following up on them, I’m the one who’s been causing trouble for the directors, so…”
“So, no more arguments, I’m the team leader, we’ll do things my way.”
Li Wan looked at her intently, trying to decipher her expression.
But she was still as calm and composed as always, a hint of weariness in her eyes, just like her usual overworked self at the office.
But Li Wan had seen another side of her, the passionate and unrestrained side, the one who whispered sweet nothings in her ear.
Damn it, just thinking about it made Li Wan instinctively cross her legs. Thankfully, the table was high and sturdy, no one noticed her reaction.
Shen Yiqiu brought some snacks from the kitchen and refilled their teacups.
“Lunch will take a while, have some of these first.”
Lin Shuangzhi, afraid the other two might try to stop her, took the snack box and, as she opened it, said, “Shen Yiqiu has good taste, this brand is quite good, I always keep some at home.”
This brand was indeed good quality, slightly expensive, but worth it, it was just that the packaging was difficult to open.
Lin Shuangzhi struggled with it for a while, and Shen Yiqiu, passing by, took it from her.
She opened it effortlessly, making Lin Shuangzhi slightly embarrassed. Shen Yiqiu, oblivious, her attention still on the box, said,
“This one is a bit difficult to open today, it’s hard without nails.”
Her words drew everyone’s attention to Lin Shuangzhi’s hands on the table.
Li Wan was startled, When did she cut her nails so short?
They had still been… long… that day…
The painful and bittersweet memories made Li Wan blush.
Lin Shuangzhi coughed, covering her mouth and nose with her hand, avoiding Li Wan’s gaze.
Li Wan discreetly looked at Shen Yiqiu’s hands, her nails weren’t long, but they clearly hadn’t been trimmed recently.
It seemed Qianrou hadn’t experienced that painful yet intoxicating pleasure yet.
She wanted to offer Shen Yiqiu a suggestion, to trim her nails, but she couldn’t say it now, she could only give her a meaningful look, hoping the child would understand.
However, Shen Yiqiu’s gaze was fixed on Qin Qianrou. After placing the snacks on the table, her eyes never left her.
“Jiejie, if you’re tired, you should rest for a bit.” Shen Yiqiu’s voice wasn’t loud, but the restaurant wasn’t large either, and everyone heard her.
“Oh, so you’re only concerned about your Jiejie, there are two other Jiejies here, aren’t we tired as well?”
Li Wan’s teasing made Shen Yiqiu blush, but she remained by Qin Qianrou’s side.
Qin Qianrou hadn’t explicitly mentioned her relationship with Shen Yiqiu, and Lin Shuangzhi had sensed something different during their last meal together. Today, she finally realized she hadn’t been mistaken.
She observed Qin Qianrou and Shen Yiqiu briefly, then looked away, not showing much surprise or disapproval.
It was as if she was simply acknowledging a perfectly normal fact.
This attitude made Qin Qianrou feel comfortable. She hadn’t intended to hide it, but telling the team leader was even more difficult than telling Li Wan. She hadn’t expected the team leader to understand so quickly. So, it seemed the team leader wasn’t averse to same-sex relationships.
“Qianrou, you’re a reporter, although not as high-profile as a celebrity, there are still many people who pay attention to your private life.”
Qin Qianrou thought Lin Shuangzhi was reminding her to be discreet about their relationship.
To her surprise, the team leader said, “So, protect yourself, and protect her.”
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