Qin Auntie, Save Me [Rebirth] 104

Chapter 104

They planned to stay in Hai City for a while longer, to gather more information. Since most of Shen Zhifeng’s research had been conducted here, there were bound to be traces left behind.

“I used to only focus on my own things, never really listened when my parents talked about their work. If I had been more mature and understanding back then, perhaps I wouldn’t be so passive now.” Shen Yiqiu felt a deep sense of guilt for knowing nothing about her parents’ work.

They had met with several people at Hai Da today, Shen Zhifeng’s former supervisors and colleagues, but they hadn’t learned much.

Qin Qianrou, worried Shen Yiqiu might become even more upset returning to the apartment, insisted on having dinner outside first, although they were currently staying at Shen Yiqiu’s childhood home, they rarely cooked here, either eating out or ordering takeout.

“Your father was a cautious man, you saw it yourself today, you weren’t the only one who didn’t know about his work.”

Shen Yiqiu was still troubled. “But I’m his daughter, his closest family, how could I know nothing?”

Qin Qianrou, seeing her distress, couldn’t openly comfort her in public, so she could only gently pat her hand.

“Your father was protecting you, he wanted you to be shielded from those… complications.”

If Shen Yiqiu’s lack of knowledge could be attributed to her young age and her naivety, then the lack of information from those who had worked closely with Shen Zhifeng meant he had deliberately concealed his work, keeping everything hidden, so even those who had spent years with him, those who had seen him every day, wouldn’t necessarily know the whole truth.

Unable to find any useful leads from Shen Zhifeng’s past work and personal life, Shen Yiqiu decided to visit Jiang Yuan. She hadn’t seen her since her and He Chao’s sentencing.

She had thought the wounds from her past interactions with this woman would gradually heal, that she would eventually forget her, she hadn’t expected to have to face her again.

Qin Qianrou, after finishing her nighttime routine, returned to the bedroom. Shen Yiqiu was leaning against the headboard, looking at her phone.

“Not sleeping yet?” Qin Qianrou got into bed and sat beside her.

They were currently sleeping in Shen Yiqiu’s old room, the bed slightly narrower than the one at their home in Meng City, and at night, they would unconsciously snuggle closer, their bodies touching.

“Thinking about what to say to Jiang Yuan tomorrow.” Shen Yiqiu put her phone aside and hugged Qin Qianrou.

“If you don’t want to see her, I can go alone.”

“I have to ask about my parents, I have to go.”

Qin Qianrou played with the buttons of Shen Yiqiu’s pajamas, repeatedly unbuttoning and rebuttoning them, a habit she had developed.

“I’m worried you’ll be upset after seeing her, you’ve been frowning a lot lately.”

Shen Yiqiu took her hand, which had been gently caressing her brow, and kissed it softly. “I’m not upset.”

Qin Qianrou changed tactics, gently flicking her forehead, “Your girlfriend doesn’t like seeing you frown, it makes you look… ugly.”

Shen Yiqiu chuckled, wrinkling her nose playfully as she leaned closer,

“Ugly? Say that again, let’s see if I still look ugly…”

Their lips met, a familiar and comforting sensation, after being together for so long, they had grown accustomed to seeking comfort and reassurance in each other’s embrace, their scents mingling, becoming increasingly… intertwined.

As the warmth between them intensified, Qin Qianrou couldn’t help but remind her, “We didn’t… prepare.”

Shen Yiqiu knew what she meant, they didn’t have any… protection.

“It’s okay to skip it sometimes.”

“But…”

Shen Yiqiu’s kisses rained down on her, finally settling on her ear, her voice a soft whisper, “Jiejie, I have a new… experience for you tonight.”

The small cuts on her fingers had healed, she had discovered this a while ago, but hadn’t had a chance to try it yet, perhaps tonight was a good opportunity, to test her theory.

Qin Qianrou’s breath hitched. “What new… experience?”

Whenever Shen Yiqiu mentioned trying something new, it was always intensely pleasurable, leaving her exhausted and slightly overwhelmed, Qin Qianrou had initially been shy and embarrassed, then gradually accustomed to it, although still not as unrestrained as Shen Yiqiu.

In this regard, she was indeed less… direct than a young person.

Shen Yiqiu didn’t elaborate, continuing her gentle kisses, her voice soft and slightly slurred, “Using my… special ability…”

The night stretched on, their first unrestrained intimacy since arriving in Hai City. They had been holding back in Shen Yiqiu’s childhood home, perhaps because of her upcoming visit to Jiang Yuan, Shen Yiqiu’s emotions had been heightened, or perhaps, having grown accustomed to regular intimacy, the days of abstinence had made her impatient, and tonight, she was relentless.

Without any barriers, the sensations were slightly different, but the gentleness and love remained, and Qin Qianrou, instinctively, her fingers tangled in Shen Yiqiu’s soft hair, repeatedly tightening and loosening her grip, mirroring the waves of pleasure washing over her.

**

Shen Yiqiu went downstairs to buy breakfast, there was a breakfast place near the Hai Da campus that had been a favorite of Shen Zhifeng’s,

when she returned, Qin Qianrou was still asleep, Shen Yiqiu sat on the edge of the bed, gently brushed the hair away from her face, and after gazing at her lovingly for a moment, couldn’t resist kissing her softly,

“Mm, stop it,” Qin Qianrou mumbled sleepily, waving her hand dismissively,

Shen Yiqiu kissed her other cheek instead, her warm breath tickling her skin.

“I’m so sleepy,” Qin Qianrou opened her eyes slightly, still not fully awake.

Last night had been exhausting,

she had thought she had adapted, but Shen Yiqiu’s “new experience” had taken her completely by surprise, pushing her beyond her limits, it was almost like their first time.

“I bought soy milk and youtiao, come and eat something, you can go back to sleep afterwards.” Shen Yiqiu coaxed her gently, helping her sit up.

Qin Qianrou’s internal clock, after years of routine, was incredibly persistent, only Shen Yiqiu could disrupt it.

She was now fully awake, leaning against Shen Yiqiu as she helped her change out of her nightgown.

“We agreed to visit Jiang Yuan today, I can’t just sleep in.”

Shen Yiqiu had sensed her internal conflict last night and, with her love and her tenderness, had repeatedly indulged her, even taking the lead, soothing her anxieties.

“I bought soy milk from that place, it’s delicious, I used to have it almost every day.”

Qin Qianrou’s lips curved into a smile, “Okay.”

Shen Yiqiu was finally willing to talk about the past again, even in this once-unfamiliar environment, she was returning to her old routine, her old habits,

this meant that Shen Yiqiu had truly moved on, the past hurts, although still present, no longer hindering her, and Qin Qianrou was willing to be there for her, to share this significant moment.

“I like my youtiao extra crispy, but their wontons aren’t as good as mine.” Shen Yiqiu even compared her cooking skills with the breakfast shop owner.

“Then you should consider opening a restaurant in the future.”

“Hmm, I haven’t thought about that, I just want to cook for you.”

Shen Yiqiu’s earnest response to Qin Qianrou’s teasing made Qin Qianrou blush slightly,

the morning atmosphere light and cheerful, both of them in a good mood, after a quick breakfast, they set off to visit Jiang Yuan.

Wen Shao Ze was already waiting for them at the hospital entrance, having made arrangements with the hospital staff beforehand.

“Visiting hours are limited, you only have half an hour.”

As he spoke, Wen Shao Ze discreetly observed Shen Yiqiu, seeing that she looked much better than when she had first arrived in Hai City, almost back to her usual self, he was relieved,

although he had been annoyed by her sudden departure, after hearing Qin Qianrou’s explanation, he couldn’t help but feel sorry for her, such an important matter, being kept in the dark by the person you loved most, it must have been painful.

Thinking about it from a different perspective, he realized Shen Yiqiu was truly good-natured, if it were Yuan Qi, he would have probably punched him.

“I won’t be going in, some things… it’s not appropriate for me to know, just call me if you need anything, I’ll be downstairs.” Wen Shao Ze accompanied them into the hospital, giving the nurse a few instructions.

Jiang Yuan, having been granted medical parole, wasn’t in a regular hospital, she wasn’t truly free, but the environment here was definitely better than prison, and Shen Yiqiu and Qin Qianrou followed the nurse.

For Jiang Yuan’s safety, she had been given a private room,

she had been informed of their visit beforehand, but she hadn’t had much expectations, there had been frequent visitors these past few days, mostly sent by Wen Shao Ze, to gather information,

hearing that it was Qin Qianrou today, Jiang Yuan assumed it was because of the program about Lao He, and thinking of He Chao, her usually impassive face softened slightly.

The door opened, and the nurse said, “Jiang Yuan, you have visitors, make it quick.”

Then, the nurse stepped out, leaving the door open, according to regulations, they couldn’t be left alone unsupervised, but Wen Shao Ze had pulled some strings, so they were allowed to talk privately, as long as the door remained open.

“Jiang Yuan, it’s been a while.”

Hearing Qin Qianrou’s voice, the person by the window slowly turned around, her gaze, however, falling on the person beside Qin Qianrou.

Seemingly not expecting Shen Yiqiu to visit her, she didn’t react.

Shen Yiqiu had no choice but to speak first, “Jiang… Jiang Yuan, it’s been a while.”

Seeing her again, she didn’t know how to address her properly.

“Shen Yiqiu, hello.”

Jiang Yuan also knew calling her “Xiao Qiu” wasn’t appropriate anymore.

Qin Qianrou got straight to the point, stating the purpose of their visit. Jiang Yuan didn’t react much, her gaze still mostly on Shen Yiqiu.

“You want to know about your parents?”

Shen Yiqiu nodded, she wanted to know.

“Why ask me?”

Shen Yiqiu frowned, then said honestly, “Because you were once… the closest to them.”

Perhaps only back then, there hadn’t been so many secrets between them.

Jiang Yuan smiled sadly. “That’s true.”

Since He Chao’s death, she had become a different person, often reflecting on how she had reached this point, a once ambitious young woman, eager to contribute to her country, now a convicted criminal.

“What do you want to know?”

Shen Yiqiu had thought Jiang Yuan would use this opportunity to make demands, she hadn’t expected her to agree so readily,

her only condition being that they find out who was responsible for He Chao’s death.

This was her only remaining desire, everything else, just atonement, helping where she could.

“I want to know… what kind of research my parents were doing all those years? And also… did my father, like He Chao, sell any patents?”

These questions were difficult to ask, Shen Yiqiu had even practiced in the bathroom, but facing Jiang Yuan, her voice still trembled slightly.

Qin Qianrou, standing beside her, gently took her hand, offering silent support.

Jiang Yuan paused, then smiled faintly, “I can only answer half of that question, I know what Lao Shen’s research was about, that’s why He Chao and I wanted to obtain that data, as for whether he made any deals with others, I don’t know.”

Shen Yiqiu frowned, the question she was most concerned about still unanswered.

Jiang Yuan briefly described Shen Zhifeng’s research areas and directions over the past decade, it was similar to what was publicly known, but coming from an expert in the field, it offered additional insights.

“Lao Shen’s research was groundbreaking, and if successful, it would have been incredibly significant, many people were watching, not just the government, even within the industry, we were all anticipating the results,” Jiang Yuan chuckled self-deprecatingly, “Of course, we were also worried, if Lao Shen truly succeeded, then we, his peers, would be overshadowed, so we were both hoping for his success, and also fearing it.”

Shen Yiqiu asked, “So, what you wanted from me earlier, was it related to this research?”

Jiang Yuan looked at Shen Yiqiu, surprised, she didn’t know when she had learned about this.

“No, when we heard about your family’s accident, what He Chao and I wanted were those patents you donated, because they were already completed, it would have been the easiest transaction.”

At this point, there was no need to hide anything, Jiang Yuan was no longer the “Aunt Jiang” who had taken her in, and Shen Yiqiu was no longer the helpless orphan who needed comforting.

“Then do you know who else might have been interested in my father’s research?”

“Many people, anyone who knew its value, but those who would actually dare to take action… not many, those behind He Chao, and also… Shao Qidong.”

Shao Qidong again.

Shen Yiqiu recalled that forged contract Shao Qidong had shown her at the hospital, claiming it was an agreement between her father and Dongsheng Group. At the time, heartbroken and alone, she had believed him.

“But I’ve never heard my father mention knowing Shao Qidong, let alone having any dealings with Dongsheng Group.”

Jiang Yuan sighed, a helpless smile on her face. “You’re still so naive. Those involved in such dealings wouldn’t operate openly, look at He Chao’s transactions, they all went through several intermediaries, even after all these years, I’m still not sure who was truly behind it.”

Jiang Yuan’s expression turned cold as she spoke, she was certain those people, those hidden masterminds, were the ones responsible for He Chao’s death,

leaving the hospital, Shen Yiqiu was still pondering Jiang Yuan’s words, Qin Qianrou didn’t disturb her, quietly walking beside her,

during their half-hour visit, Jiang Yuan’s words, although brief, had been more impactful than everything Shen Yiqiu had known about her father for over a decade.

“I’m only realizing now how little I actually knew about my father.”

The Shen Zhifeng in her memories, and the “Lao Shen” Jiang Yuan had described, weren’t entirely the same.

But their dedication to scientific research was the same.

“It’s not that you didn’t know him, it’s just that, in your heart, he was your father, it’s just a matter of perspective.”

Shen Yiqiu smiled at her, trying to appear unfazed.

Wen Shao Ze, seeing them emerge on time, walked over, looking at them with concern, “How did it go?”

Shen Yiqiu nodded, “It went well, thank you for your help.”

Wen Shao Ze relaxed slightly and teased her, “We’re family, no need for thanks, if you want to thank someone, thank Qianrou.”

Shen Yiqiu blushed slightly, but hearing Wen Shao Ze refer to them as “family” warmed her heart,

her meeting with Jiang Yuan had inevitably brought back painful memories of her shattered past, her old home was gone, but now, it seemed she was gradually gaining new family,

“Do you have any plans tonight?”

Wen Shao Ze seemed to be inviting them to dinner, which Qin Qianrou immediately declined, “No plans, but we don’t have time for dinner with you.”

Wen Shao Ze sighed helplessly, “It wasn’t my idea, someone else wants to see you.”

He held up his phone, “Your father just called, he asked if I could bring you two over tonight.”

Qin Qianrou, remembering the so-called “test,” figured it was a trap and refused without hesitation.