Chapter 77 p2
Li Wan, seeing Qin Qianrou’s barely suppressed amusement, felt even more disheartened.
And the person who had made her feel so inadequate was that damned Lin Shuangzhi.
Next time, I’ll definitely make her pay!
Having opened up, she might as well be more frank.
Li Wan rested her chin on her hand and said softly, “We used to say ‘harmony’ is important, I now truly understand why. You and Shen Yiqiu have to communicate properly, otherwise you’ll suffer later.”
Although Qin Qianrou didn’t want to discuss this topic, Li Wan’s words resonated with her, and she couldn’t help but apply them to her own relationship with Shen Yiqiu, her cheeks flushing slightly.
They had been sleeping in the same bed these past few days, although they hadn’t gone all the way, the passionate kisses before bed had stirred her deeply. As their feelings deepened, her dependence on Shen Yiqiu had also grown stronger, only waking up in her arms did she truly feel at ease.
And the night before last, Shen Yiqiu’s hands, which had previously been unsure where to go, had seemed to gain a life of their own, exploring, seeking out the softest, most alluring parts of her body. They had embraced, kissed, their bodies pressed tightly together, their breaths mingling, their eyes, their hearts, filled with each other, their love overflowing, and a soft moan had escaped Qin Qianrou’s lips as Shen Yiqiu’s nimble fingers traced her curves.
**
Lin Shuangzhi also knew her performance that night had been less than ideal, which was why she had apologized so eagerly the next morning. The sounds that echoed in her ears weren’t just Li Wan’s enchanting moans that night, but also her pained cries.
Xiao Wan had said, It hurts.
She had wanted to talk to Li Wan properly, but she hadn’t found the opportunity. The Director Yu matter was urgent, and she had to make that difficult decision. Now, it was highly likely she would have to return to Yong City, and then they would be separated by distance.
She remembered Li Wan hated long-distance relationships. She had heard her say this shortly after graduating, after her breakup with her ex-boyfriend.
Lin Shuangzhi had thought they could be together, working side by side, she hadn’t expected such a different outcome so soon.
She blamed herself for being too impulsive that night, for losing control. She wanted to take responsibility for Li Wan, not just because of what had happened between them, but because of the feelings she had harbored since they first met, years ago.
But with the current situation deteriorating, Lin Shuangzhi had to suppress her long-hidden feelings.
**
Shen Yiqiu hadn’t seen Yuan Qi in a while. Since she told him she was officially with Qin Qianrou, besides a simple “Congratulations,” her cousin had practically vanished.
Thankfully, this was typical Yuan Qi behavior, disappearing without a word, his backpack always ready, so Shen Yiqiu wasn’t surprised. But today, after class, she unexpectedly saw him outside the university gate.
Yuan Qi was leaning against his car, smoking, the cold wind swirling around him, and he didn’t even seem to notice the cold?
Shen Yiqiu hurried over, waving her hand to dispel the smoke. “Cousin, what are you doing here?”
Yuan Qi, seeing her approach, quickly extinguished his cigarette. “I came to take you to dinner.”
Shen Yiqiu hesitated slightly, not immediately refusing.
Yuan Qi, seeing her reaction, immediately understood the reason. He carefully observed Shen Yiqiu, her complexion much better than before, the glow of love evident, it seemed this relationship was making her happy, at least for now.
He had said everything he could, offered all the advice he could, and since Shen Yiqiu had still chosen to be with Qin Qianrou, he had nothing more to say. Knowing Qin Qianrou, her level of commitment wouldn’t be any less than Shen Yiqiu’s.
Since they were both serious, then regardless of the outcome, there would be no regrets.
Just like him, all those years ago, he had experienced pain and heartbreak, but he had also loved deeply.
“Hurry up and call your Queen, ask for permission, tell her your cousin is treating you to dinner.”
At Yuan Qi’s teasing, Shen Yiqiu obediently took out her phone and called Qin Qianrou.
“Don’t drink, and come home early.” Qin Qianrou readily agreed.
Yuan Qi watched quietly from the side, a smile of relief on his lips.
Seeing Xiao Qiu’s current state, her happiness, he was truly relieved. And now, with Qin Qianrou looking after her, he was even more at ease. As for the Qin family, since Qin Qianrou had agreed to this relationship, she must have a plan.
With that, he had no more worries.
During dinner, Shen Yiqiu learned that her cousin was leaving again, she wasn’t surprised, but she was still a little reluctant.
“It’s almost Chinese New Year, and you’re still going away?”
Shen Yiqiu, unlike Yuan Qi, wasn’t a wanderer, in her mind, major holidays were meant to be spent with family, not traveling.
“Silly child, I haven’t properly celebrated Chinese New Year in years.”
During his countless days of wandering, Yuan Qi hadn’t paid much attention to holidays. His loneliness stemmed from a deep, unfillable void within him.
“So you should celebrate it properly this year!”
Shen Yiqiu thought, it was a rare opportunity for a reunion, why was her cousin in such a hurry to leave?
Yuan Qi hesitated, wanting to tell her he was leaving to avoid someone. Wen Shao Ze had been searching for him everywhere, he had almost found his apartment a few days ago, which had distressed him greatly. He had thought he could face him calmly, but he had overestimated himself.
He had rushed back because Shen Yiqiu had needed him, now, seeing that she was doing well, he realized his own heart hadn’t fully healed.
“I hope you’ll never experience this kind of helplessness, that you won’t have to wander like I did.”
Shen Yiqiu, all the way home, kept pondering the sadness in Yuan Qi’s eyes.
As she looked down to change her shoes, she noticed an extra pair of men’s leather shoes, they had a visitor.
“Shen Yiqiu, you’re back?”
Before Shen Yiqiu could even speak, Wen Shao Ze emerged from the living room.
“Shao Ze-ge, you’re here.”
“Yes, I came this afternoon, I was hoping to have dinner here, but it seems our chef went out for a feast.”
Wen Shao Ze seemed to be in a good mood, but seeing him, Shen Yiqiu couldn’t help but think of her cousin.
Tonight, she was enveloped in a melancholic farewell mood, her spirits low.
After she returned, Qin Qianrou subtly hinted a few times, and Wen Shao Ze obediently took his leave.
He did, however, gallantly invite them to dinner another time before leaving, which Qin Qianrou ignored, simply closing the door.
Shen Yiqiu leaned back against the sofa, still thinking about Yuan Qi’s words.
“What’s wrong tonight? Did your cousin tell you something upsetting?”
Looking at the person beside her, Shen Yiqiu finally revealed her true feelings.
“My cousin said he’s leaving, he won’t even be here for Chinese New Year.”
Although she hadn’t explicitly said it, Shen Yiqiu had been looking forward to spending the holidays with both her family and her lover this year.
Qin Qianrou put her arm around her, letting her lean against her, gently patting her back.
“He likes to travel, he wouldn’t be comfortable staying in one place for too long.”
“But I don’t think he’s leaving for travel this time. He doesn’t seem excited or anything, he just seems… resigned.”
Like he had no other choice, Shen Yiqiu could sense it.
Qin Qianrou’s heart sank, recalling Wen Shao Ze’s earlier certainty.
Hopefully, this time, they won’t miss each other again.
Shen Yiqiu’s melancholy lasted for two days, then gradually subsided. Waking up that morning, however, she felt a familiar, unsettling pain in her chest.
It had returned. Since that nightmare, the sensation had disappeared for a while, but now it was back.
She felt incredibly uneasy. During breakfast, she looked at Qin Qianrou several times, wanting to say something, but the words wouldn’t come out.
“What’s wrong?” Qin Qianrou spread peanut butter on a piece of toast and handed it to Shen Yiqiu.
“I… don’t feel well here.” Shen Yiqiu pointed to her chest.
Qin Qianrou’s smile faded as she followed her gesture.
The unspoken understanding between them had deepened, a single word, a single gesture from Shen Yiqiu, enough to convey her meaning.
“Is it the yellow tie again?”
Shen Yiqiu frowned and shook her head. “I don’t know, it just hurts, I didn’t see anything.”
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