Qin Auntie, Save Me [Rebirth] 112

Chapter 112

Grandfather Qin had been in Kyoto for a week, accompanied only by Nurse Zhang. Qin Yunsong wasn’t worried about his safety; no one in Kyoto would dare to harm him, he was more concerned about his father’s emotional state.

Grandfather Qin had become even quieter since he told him about “that person,” and according to Nurse Zhang, he had woken up several times during the night, taking a long time to fall back asleep.

Wen Yirong’s weekend routine now included inviting Qin Qianrou and Shen Yiqiu to Seven Mansions for dinner. Sometimes, unable to reach Qin Qianrou, she would simply call Shen Yiqiu directly, their interactions becoming increasingly casual and comfortable.

That day, after dinner at Seven Mansions, Wen Yirong asked them to stay a little longer.

“I wanted to discuss the investigation with you.”

After the housekeeper served dessert, Wen Yirong gestured for the others to give them some privacy, this was the first time since arriving in Meng City that she had so formally addressed the issue.

Shen Yiqiu had also been concerned about this lately, but whenever she asked Jiejie, Qin Qianrou always told her not to worry.

“Your grandfather has already made some moves in Kyoto, he’s even spoken to his old superior, the situation is complicated, and higher management is taking this very seriously, it’ll take some time for the new investigation team to arrive.”

Qin Qianrou pursed her lips; it seemed the progress was slightly slower than she had expected.

Shen Yiqiu asked, “Is the new investigation team coming to investigate Jiejie again?”

Wen Yirong, seeing her serious expression, found her as endearing as her daughter did, “Don’t worry, the new investigation team isn’t for Qianrou, once they arrive, Qianrou will be fine.”

Shen Yiqiu was relieved, so the new investigation team was for the current investigation team, that was good, those corrupt officials deserved to be investigated, it was truly disheartening.

Wen Yirong smiled at her reassuringly, then turned to her daughter, “About the suggestion I gave you earlier, have you thought about it?”

The Qin family still hoped Qin Qianrou would leave the television station, they no longer openly opposed their relationship, but Qin Qianrou’s profession remained a problem.

“I haven’t made a final decision yet.”

“Then think about it carefully, and let me know when you’ve decided.”

Shen Yiqiu didn’t know what they were talking about, but she sensed it was something she wasn’t privy to.

Wen Yirong then talked about the current situation, they were fully prepared, just waiting for news from Grandfather Qin, once the new investigation team was in place, the counterattack would begin.

Back at their apartment, Shen Yiqiu couldn’t resist asking Qin Qianrou about Wen Yirong’s suggestion.

Qin Qianrou, after a moment of thought, knew she couldn’t keep it a secret forever.

“She wants me to leave the television station.”

“Transfer back to Hai City?” Although reluctant, Shen Yiqiu knew Hai City Television was a better platform.

Qin Qianrou took two small ice cream cones from the freezer and handed one to Shen Yiqiu. “No, she wants me to resign, to leave the industry.”

Shen Yiqiu, having just taken a lick of the ice cream, her upper lip coated in a thin layer of cream, was stunned.

“Not let you… be a reporter anymore?”

Shen Yiqiu knew how much Qin Qianrou loved her work, how much she had sacrificed for it,

“Is it because of… us?” The investigation team couldn’t find any fault with her work, no matter how thorough the investigation, Qin Qianrou’s professional record was impeccable,

the only thing that could jeopardize her career was their relationship.

Qin Qianrou gently wiped the melting ice cream from her lips and said calmly, “It has nothing to do with you, I’ve actually been considering leaving for a while now.”

Shen Yiqiu was surprised, “Considering leaving, yet you worked so hard?”

Qin Qianrou’s frequent overtime wasn’t just for the extra pay, such dedication could only stem from true passion,

“I’ve been thinking about a change of environment, but I’ve never considered leaving the industry.”

“Then where else can you be a reporter, besides a television station?” Shen Yiqiu wanted to help Jiejie find other options, but her knowledge of the industry was limited,

Qin Qianrou’s eyes lit up, as if about to reveal a long-held secret,

“Nowhere else, I’ll become an independent journalist.”

Independent journalist, Shen Yiqiu had heard of them, they were cool, unrestrained by any organization, daring to cover controversial stories, they had more freedom, more control over their work, but it was also much more difficult, and harder to gain recognition.

“Wouldn’t that be… much harder for you, Jiejie?”

From a renowned reporter in Meng City to an independent journalist, having to rely entirely on herself, even with the Qin family’s resources, it would still be much more challenging.

Qin Qianrou finished her ice cream and wiped her hands with a wet tissue.

“With you by my side, I’m not worried.”

Her tone casual and light, a hint of excitement and anticipation, Shen Yiqiu knew she wasn’t just trying to reassure her, Jiejie truly wanted this.

“Whatever you decide to do, I’ll support you.” She took a bite of her ice cream and offered it to Qin Qianrou.

Qin Qianrou playfully turned away, avoiding her, but she couldn’t resist Shen Yiqiu’s persistence, “I just wiped my mouth…”

On the fourteenth day of Grandfather Qin’s visit to Kyoto, good news finally arrived. Based on the information he had provided, a new investigation team had been formed and would be arriving in Meng City soon.

The previous investigation team, having completed their report and preparing to leave, were stunned, they had meticulously organized all their materials, following instructions from above, ready to submit the final report next Monday, then proceed with the approval process,

they hadn’t expected such a sudden turn of events.

The new investigation team leader, surnamed Zhou, was a middle-aged official in his early forties, he had previously worked in Hai City, having been transferred to Kyoto almost eight years ago.

“Team Leader Zhou, with this new development, should we still submit our report?”

“We have to submit it, otherwise we can’t leave, but perhaps… not with the current content, we’ll have to make some… revisions.”

The members of the investigation team had been carefully selected, besides those from Meng City, those from Kyoto were mostly Director Zhou’s trusted confidants.

“But Team Leader, if we change the report, how can we explain it to those in Kyoto?”

They were caught in a dilemma. Having been so confident of their victory, they had even booked a buffet dinner, planning to enjoy their weekend in Meng City, submitting their report next week, then holding a final meeting with the local authorities, concluding their assignment,

this sudden turn of events had completely ruined their mood.

Director Zhou’s cigarette had almost burned down to his fingers, his brow furrowed as he pondered their next move.

“This could be a reversal, we have to have a backup plan.”

The other team members exchanged nervous glances. Those who worked in Kyoto were all experts at reading the political winds, sensing the slightest shift, their reactions quicker than a rabbit’s.

“That Qin woman is truly formidable, so discreet and quiet, yet able to turn the tables at a time like this.” Director Zhou angrily extinguished his cigarette.

With the arrival of the new investigation team, the previous team’s departure was delayed, and their report, intercepted before it could be officially submitted, was sent to the new investigation team for review,

everyone was stunned, two investigation teams, one after the other, they had initially assumed it was because of the seriousness of Qin Qianrou’s case, they hadn’t expected it to be a power struggle between the investigation teams themselves.

The arrival of the new team meant a new hope, and even Director Liu couldn’t help but show his delight, the atmosphere at the station had been tense, many people observing the situation quietly, most of them had worked with Qin Qianrou for years and knew her character and her work ethic,

if her situation wasn’t resolved fairly, it would be demoralizing for many, Director Liu cooperated fully with the new investigation team, providing extensive documentation of Qin Qianrou’s work performance, showing his full support for his outstanding subordinate.

Li Wan, enjoying a bowl of wontons at Qin Qianrou’s apartment, sighed contentedly, “I never thought Director Liu would support you so openly, anyone would think you’d bribed him.”

The wontons were a little hot, but Li Wan didn’t care, they were so delicious, she had been craving them,

“Thank you all for your support.” Qin Qianrou was truly touched, but she wasn’t one for expressing her emotions openly,

“No need for thanks, we’re your friends and family, even those who are just colleagues, or even strangers, can tell right from wrong, justice will always prevail,”

justice was in people’s hearts, and the world ultimately belonged to the light, they had always believed this, so no matter how difficult, how tiring, they would persevere,

with the new investigation team officially starting their work, those who had been questioned before were called in again, and almost half of them changed their previous statements, which made Director Zhou even more uneasy,

they were stuck in Meng City now, unable to return to Kyoto, they could only seek help from above.

“Team Leader, when can we leave?”

Director Zhou’s brow was deeply furrowed, he had made several calls last night, and the outcome had been unexpected.

“We can’t go back for now, just stay here and wait.”

The investigators were stunned, their anxiety growing, being stuck in Meng City at a time like this wasn’t a good sign.

“Get yourselves together, and don’t say anything you shouldn’t, otherwise, even if you return, there won’t be any… pleasant surprises.” Director Zhou, seeing their expressions, couldn’t help but reiterate his warning,

but his own heart was also filled with unease.

**

The summer heat intensified, but the temperature in the room remained pleasant, the thick blanket replaced by a thin sheet, the delicate curves beneath it unchanged, the soft moans even more enticing.

Faint sounds echoed in the quiet room, the sweet scent of peach filling the air, Shen Yiqiu, tonight, hadn’t closed the bathroom door, and the fragrance, playfully escaping, had taken over the bedroom,

beads of sweat on Qin Qianrou’s cheeks, Shen Yiqiu clinging to her,

“I’m so hot,” Qin Qianrou tried to push her away, to catch her breath,

Shen Yiqiu’s eyes were half-closed, a thin sheen of sweat on her forehead, her breaths coming in short gasps, but she didn’t move.

“I’m hot too.” She kissed Qin Qianrou, her words becoming increasingly suggestive, “Jiejie, you’re burning me.”

Qin Qianrou’s strength seemed to melt away at her words, and she stopped struggling, the waves of heat washing over Shen Yiqiu, making this summer especially beautiful.

Last summer, Shen Yiqiu had lost her most beloved family, this summer, she held the person she loved, the person she would spend her life with,

she sighed contentedly, savoring each wave of pleasure, melting in Qin Qianrou’s warmth, the peach scent, the fragrance of their love,

the arrival of the new investigation team brought a glimmer of hope, and both Shen Yiqiu and Qin Qianrou could finally relax a little. Such beautiful summer nights shouldn’t be wasted, and their home, these days, was always filled with the sweet scent of… fruits.

Qin Qianrou had asked her once why she always chose fruit-flavored ones,

and Shen Yiqiu had blinked, a mischievous smile on her face as she whispered in her ear, “Because I like… edible flavors.”

Li Wan, looking at the link Shen Yiqiu had sent her, couldn’t help but laugh, how the tables had turned in just half a year, Shen Yiqiu now recommending such things to her, she silently prayed for her friend, Shen Yiqiu had been buying these fruit-flavored products in bulk, who knew when they would run out,

having said that, Li Wan was a woman of action, and after sending a voice message, reminding Shen Yiqiu to be… restrained, she immediately ordered the same products online, using Lin Shuangzhi’s address in Yong City,

Lin Shuangzhi was the one living there most of the time, and the property management was reliable, they would accept packages on behalf of the residents, Li Wan didn’t dare to have them delivered to the television station, in case the package was damaged…

**

Despite the developments in Kyoto, Grandfather Qin hadn’t returned immediately, he had asked Xiao Zhang to book a flight to a city in northeastern China, saying he had to visit someone before returning to Hai City.

Qin Yunsong, hearing the name of the city, was a little anxious,

“Dad, wait for me, I’ll go with you.”

“Lao Li wants to see me, what are you going to do there?”

The “Lao Li” Grandfather Qin referred to was the very person Qin Yunsong was struggling with,

he happened to be away from Kyoto, spending the summer in the cooler northeast, and he had called Grandfather Qin the day after his arrival in Kyoto, they had exchanged pleasantries, neither of them mentioning the true purpose of the visit,

“At this stage, he definitely knows why you’re in Kyoto, asking you to go to northeastern China now, it’s definitely not a simple matter.” Qin Yunsong was truly worried, Lao Li had only retired two years ago, he still held considerable power and influence.

Grandfather Qin’s tone, however, was unusually calm, “He’s known since the day I arrived. This matter needs to be resolved, otherwise, there will be bigger problems later, I’m afraid if I don’t handle this now, I won’t have the time later.”

Grandfather Qin, never one to admit defeat to old age, his words now carrying a hint of melancholy, even the strongest individuals couldn’t escape the passage of time, their struggles insignificant against the forces of nature.

The Qin family’s motto was, either don’t do it, or do it properly, and Grandfather Qin had already made up his mind before leaving Hai City, he had to resolve this matter completely, he couldn’t leave such a threat for his descendants.

However, the person he was about to face wasn’t a bitter enemy, but a former comrade, a bond forged in war.

On the plane to northeastern China, Grandfather Qin opened his hand, looked at the object in his palm, and remained silent.

The investigation team had concluded their investigation of Qin Qianrou’s professional conduct, having found no wrongdoings, they officially notified her of her reinstatement, and Shen Yiqiu, to celebrate Jiejie’s return to work, prepared a delicious dinner, although Qin Qianrou had mentioned wanting to leave, returning this time felt different.

And of course, after a satisfying dinner, it was time for Shen Yiqiu’s… special brand of dessert, knowing Qin Qianrou had to work tomorrow, she had been relatively restrained,

Qin Qianrou’s fingers twirled a strand of Shen Yiqiu’s hair, a subtle yet intimate connection, reluctant to let go,

“Jiejie, you have to wake up early tomorrow, you should go to bed.” Shen Yiqiu kissed her, her voice coaxing.

Having been indulged so often, Qin Qianrou, now, couldn’t be so easily satisfied. She looked at Shen Yiqiu, her gaze soft and affectionate, gently caressing her slightly flushed cheek,

Shen Yiqiu pulled the blanket higher, only to be pulled down by Qin Qianrou, her body falling against hers,

their noses touching, their lips a hair’s breadth apart, the lingering warmth in the air, easily igniting their passion,

Qin Qianrou leaned in and kissed her, her actions a clear message: Not enough.

**

The place Lao Li (the person Grandfather Qin was going to meet) had chosen wasn’t in the city itself, but quite a distance away, a place that, despite its harsh environment, had become a pilgrimage site for adventurers, due to its historical significance.

There, their poorly equipped heroes had repelled countless enemy attacks with their flesh and blood, there, countless heroes, their names striking fear into the hearts of their enemies, had fought bravely, their sacrifices ensuring victory.