Chapter 61

She was always so generous and caring toward her, yet she never asked for anything in return.

Wen Xin understood the implication in Shi Qianyu’s words. She knew these so-called requests were just Shi Qianyu’s way of easing her own conscience. At that moment, Wen Xin had nothing left to give her. The only thing she could do was etch this gratitude deep in her heart.

“Okay.” After a moment, Wen Xin met Shi Qianyu’s eyes again and nodded earnestly. “Okay.”

“Then it’s settled.” Shi Qianyu smiled in response, saying no more as she gripped Wen Xin’s hands tightly.

Half an hour later, Wen Xin pushed open the door to the break room and returned to her workstation.

There was still some time before the end of the workday. Though Wen Xin had lost all motivation to work, she couldn’t keep avoiding things forever. Sooner or later, she had to face what was coming.

Along the way, she noticed many people glancing at her.

Wen Xin didn’t dare meet their eyes, afraid those gazes held mockery or scrutiny. The half-finished file on her computer screen was still open. She raised her hands and pretended to type calmly on the keyboard.

The office was unusually quiet, with only the sound of keystrokes echoing. She didn’t know how much time passed before she heard Gao Qiu sliding her chair nearby. Then Gao Qiu stood up, walked over, and stopped at Wen Xin’s side.

“Wenwen,” Gao Qiu called her name.

“Mm,” Wen Xin responded awkwardly.

Gao Qiu patted her shoulder reassuringly and asked again, “Are you okay?”

Wen Xin nodded. “I’m okay.”

“Lawyer Xiao looks really capable. I believe she’ll handle everything for you.” Gao Qiu crouched down beside her, her tone full of concern. “If there’s anything I can help with, just say the word. I won’t hesitate.”

As Gao Qiu spoke, she gestured with her hand. “Everyone has a few rotten relatives, right? I’ve dealt with this kind of thing before. This time, with Director Shi helping you, I’ll save my strength. Next time they dare show up, I’ll charge in and scratch their faces off!”

Perhaps it was the comical gesture, or maybe her comfort really worked—either way, Wen Xin curved her lips slightly and looked into Gao Qiu’s eyes. “Better not.”

Gao Qiu blinked. “You don’t believe in my skills?”

“No.” Wen Xin shook her head. “I just don’t want you getting your hands dirty.”

“Then I’ll curse them out!” Gao Qiu stood up and dragged Zhou Lele over. “Zhou Lele here is a pro at trash-talking too. We’ll team up.”

“Mm.” Zhou Lele, stumbling from the sudden pull, nodded in rare agreement with Gao Qiu. “She’s right. When the time comes, we’ll help you together.”

“Count me in.” Fei Yuan raised his hand from not far away.

“Me too.” Someone else in the office chimed in. “I was a keyboard warrior back in the day—my typed takedowns were legendary.”

After that, quite a few colleagues burst into laughter.

The cheerful atmosphere gradually dispelled the earlier awkwardness. Wen Xin finally mustered the courage to lift her head and meet everyone’s gazes. In that glance, the gloom that had shrouded her heart finally lifted.

Every face, every pair of eyes was warm. There was no mockery, no ridicule—only comfort and concern. Over the years, Wen Xin had been unlucky, encountering one rotten thing or person after another. That long string of misfortunes had made her overlook so much, nearly causing her to forget that this time, unlike before, she wasn’t so unfortunate.

The people around her now were all truly good people.

Wen Xin expressed her heartfelt thanks. “Thank you, everyone.”

No sooner had she spoken than Shi Qianyu appeared in her line of sight, as if summoned by the lively mood, a light smile on her lips. “What are you all talking about?”

Gao Qiu recounted the entire conversation to Shi Qianyu.

Shi Qianyu nodded after listening, then joked, “Trash-talking is an art too. Got any quick tips? Teach me.”

Director Shi had always been approachable, and she got along well with the office staff. Someone picked up on her words. “Is Director Shi joining our squad?”

“Sure.” Shi Qianyu agreed readily without hesitation. She met Wen Xin’s gaze and, mimicking the others, slowly said, “I can’t let our Wenwen suffer, after all.”

Time flew by, and it was soon time to clock out. Shi Qianyu got held up by some minor tasks and only managed to leave half an hour later.

When she arrived at the office, sure enough, Wen Xin was still waiting for her.

“Didn’t I message you? I’m tied up—go home first.” With no one else around now, Shi Qianyu lowered her eyes and gently caressed Wen Xin’s cheek, her tone soft. “Why are you still waiting?”

“There’s nothing to do at home anyway.” Wen Xin stood up and headed downstairs with Shi Qianyu. “Besides, I haven’t been waiting long.”

“What do you want for dinner?” Over the past few days of staying at Shi Qianyu’s place, Wen Xin had tried to shoulder as much as she could, including cooking. “I’ve got a few dish ideas listed. A-Yu, see which one you want?”

“No.” Shi Qianyu refused right away. “Let’s not cook tonight, okay?”

“I’ve already called the Sichuan place downstairs and had them pack up some food. Sister, you’ve had a tough day. Just relax and rest—no need to do a thing.”

She was always so considerate of her.

Wen Xin paused for a few seconds before nodding. With everything that had happened today, she was indeed exhausted and had no appetite for cooking. “Mm, okay.”

“Good girl.” Shi Qianyu stroked her head.

In the evening, with traffic congested on the roads, Shi Qianyu picked up the food first, then went with Wen Xin to the supermarket for some groceries. By the time they headed back, the roads had cleared up considerably.

They parked the car and took the elevator up together. Shi Qianyu unlocked the door with her key, telling Wen Xin to wash up first while she warmed the food.

When Wen Xin returned to the dining table, a few bottles of alcohol had appeared on it.

Shi Qianyu looked at her. “Did you put these here?”

Wen Xin nodded. “Mm. Suddenly felt like having a drink.”

They said a drink could drown one’s sorrows, and with the frustration weighing on her heart, Wen Xin wanted some way to vent it. With alcohol already bought for tonight, why not drink freely and forget the sadness and worries for a while?

Shi Qianyu picked up on it right away. “Get me a glass too.”

Wen Xin blinked. “A-Yu wants to join?”

Shi Qianyu smiled. “Of course.”

So Wen Xin turned to fetch the glasses while Shi Qianyu brought out the rest of the stir-fried dishes, arranging them on the table. It looked quite abundant and appetizing.

Moments later, the two sat facing each other.

Wen Xin took the initiative, pouring wine into two glasses—one for herself and one pushed toward Shi Qianyu. She raised her glass and clinked it lightly against the other. “Cheers.”

“Thank you again, A-Yu,” she said sincerely. “For everything you’ve done for me.”

“You’re welcome.” Wen Xin’s eyes were misty, as if already glazed from alcohol though she hadn’t drunk yet. Shi Qianyu noticed her state but didn’t point it out. Instead, she replied, “It’s my honor.”

How could she be so wonderful?

Wen Xin’s nose stung. Afraid Shi Qianyu would notice, she quickly lowered her eyes and drank. Shi Qianyu raised her glass too, then picked up some food for her with chopsticks.

It was all her favorites. Wen Xin chewed slowly—the Sichuan restaurant’s flavors were as good as ever.

They ate and drank, chatting idly. Time slipped away unnoticed, and the wine on the table dwindled to the bottom.

Wen Xin rarely drank these days, so her tolerance had weakened. Combined with her poor mood leading to unrestrained drinking tonight, she was clearly tipsy now.

After dinner, Shi Qianyu cleared the table and came to sit on the sofa, leaning against Wen Xin’s shoulder.

“Is Sister okay?” Her voice was very soft.

“Mm.” Wen Xin nodded. Shi Qianyu’s voice rang clearly in her ear, yet it seemed to float in the air, hard to pin down. “I’m… I’m okay.”

Shi Qianyu lifted her head, her beautiful eyes fixed on Wen Xin’s—like a captivating, enigmatic cat. “Really okay?”

Wen Xin grew a bit nervous under her gaze, pausing a few seconds before answering. “Maybe a little drunk.”

“Want to take a bath together? It’s getting late—then we can sleep.” Shi Qianyu stood and took Wen Xin’s slender wrist, leading her into the bathroom.

Soon, steam began to rise, warming the air comfortably.

Wen Xin’s head spun as she leaned against Shi Qianyu, letting her wash her body. The bathroom was toasty warm, Shi Qianyu’s embrace even warmer. Hot water poured down from above, the bright overhead light dazzling like it could chase away all the gloom in her heart.

It felt so safe. With her here, everything felt safe.

Wen Xin’s chest ached with emotion. She wanted to say something but couldn’t find the words, so she just stared at Shi Qianyu’s face, her eyes brimming with unspoken feelings.

Her eyes were misty, like a puppy’s.

Shi Qianyu soon noticed her gaze and looked over. “What’s wrong?”

Wen Xin shook her head gently. “Nothing.”

Though she said this, her gaze still showed no intention of shifting away.

After a moment, Shi Qianyu laughed. “I guess you have something to say to me.”

“Do I?” Wen Xin asked softly.

“Yes,” Shi Qianyu replied.

“What was I going to say?” Wen Xin mumbled groggily.

“Doesn’t Sister know herself?” Shi Qianyu teased.

This time, Wen Xin didn’t speak, just blankly shook her head.

So Shi Qianyu answered for her, “I guess you want to kiss me.”

“Like this?” Wen Xin asked.

“Yeah,” Shi Qianyu whispered.

Wen Xin paused upon hearing this, seeming hesitant and thoughtful, until moments later, she really did as Shi Qianyu had said, raising her hand to wrap around her neck.

She pressed her body tightly against hers, as if with absolute trust, completely entrusting herself to the person before her.

Afterwards, she took the initiative to press her lips against hers in a clumsy yet seductive kiss. Shi Qianyu’s lips were soft and scorching hot, making Wen Xin tremble, yet they were reluctant to part.

After a moment, Wen Xin earnestly agreed with her.

“I think so.”