Qin Auntie, Save Me [Rebirth] 96

Chapter 96

Lin Shuangzhi had never taken such a long leave of absence in all her years at the television station. Many colleagues, passing by the Special Projects Team’s area, would casually inquire, “Team Leader Lin still hasn’t returned?”

Initially, it was just curiosity, wondering how long her leave would last, but as time passed, they began to sense something was amiss. The whispers and speculations intensified, though they didn’t dare to mention it in front of the team members.

“Hey, do you think it’s because she kept going to the provincial government before the holidays?”

“What do you mean?”

“Don’t you understand? They’re settling scores, dealing with Director Yu publicly shows they’re being fair and just, but her going over their heads, embarrassing them like that…”

“But it’s not like they’ve fired her.”

“She probably sensed the danger and is lying low, I heard she went back to her hometown, she’s probably already found another job.”

A small group gathered in the stairwell, gossiping about Lin Shuangzhi, and Li Wan, overhearing them, almost burst in to tell them to mind their own business, but she restrained herself.

If not for Lin Shuangzhi’s call last night, with her temper, she would have definitely confronted them.

Lin Shuangzhi’s situation was indeed unusual, and many had noticed, although they didn’t say anything openly. However, Li Wan had been subtly questioned several times about when she would officially take over as team leader, which annoyed her.

She hadn’t wanted to replace Lin Shuangzhi, and in fact, she felt she wasn’t as capable as the team leader.

She had called her a workaholic before, but only after taking over her responsibilities did she realize how demanding the job truly was. Although her workload in terms of program production had decreased, the administrative tasks were overwhelming, and Li Wan missed the days when Lin Shuangzhi was there.

During lunch, Qin Qianrou, seeing her friend’s surprisingly good appetite, couldn’t help but observe her.

Li Wan, after swallowing a large mouthful of curry omurice and washing it down with milk tea, said, “Are you still planning on eating? You’ve been staring at me ever since we sat down.”

“I was just worried about you.”

“What’s there to be worried about?”

Qin Qianrou carefully said, “I heard that… Team Leader Lin is planning to resign.”

Li Wan paused, a fleeting sadness in her eyes, but she didn’t seem particularly upset.

“News travels fast.” She had only learned about it last night, during their phone call, and Lin Shuangzhi hadn’t even officially submitted her resignation letter yet.

Qin Qianrou was surprised. “Is it true?”

Although she knew there must be some truth to the rumors, she had assumed it was just speculation, she hadn’t expected Li Wan to confirm it, and from her tone, it seemed Lin Shuangzhi had already informed her.

Li Wan had already finished most of her meal, she put down her spoon and slowly sipped her milk tea.

“I didn’t believe it at first either, but she explained everything, what else could I say?”

Qin Qianrou looked at her, slightly concerned, afraid she might be suppressing her sadness, her emotions in disarray.

“Don’t look at me like that, I’m fine.”

Qin Qianrou observed her carefully, then finally noticed something different,

“It seems… besides telling you about her resignation, the team leader also shared some good news last night?”

The person who had been calmly sipping her milk tea suddenly blushed.

Li Wan, when shy, was truly captivating, even Qin Qianrou, a woman herself, couldn’t help but admire her.

“Mm, she said she’s going back home and… asked me to wait for her.”

“So you’ll be in a long-distance relationship?” Qin Qianrou knew Li Wan hated long-distance relationships.

“Her father isn’t doing well, her brother is taking him abroad for treatment, and there are some problems with the family business, she has to go back and take charge.” Li Wan sighed, she didn’t want it either, but under the circumstances, there was no other choice.

“Then are you two…?”

Li Wan choked on her milk tea, her face even redder now.

Under Qin Qianrou’s knowing smile, she said shyly, “We’re… together.”

No wonder she was in such a good mood today.

“Congratulations, your patience has finally paid off.”

Li Wan, however, looked embarrassed, “What patience? She’s the one who pursued me.”

“Mm, I know.”

Li Wan chuckled, she hadn’t been this happy in a long time. She had thought it would take much longer for the team leader to confess her feelings.

It seemed this period of separation had clarified their feelings, and since they both liked each other, there was no point in wasting any more time.

“But things will be even more difficult for me now, she said she’s going to recommend me to take over as team leader.” Li Wan didn’t seem very enthusiastic about this promotion.

“You’re the most suitable candidate for the position, do you want them to appoint someone from outside the station?”

Li Wan immediately shook her head, “No, I’d rather work harder.”

Although Director Yu had been dealt with, the new station director wasn’t much better, completely clueless about program production, an outsider leading experts, making their lives difficult, yet they couldn’t complain.

Qin Qianrou had also finished eating, she glanced at her watch, there was still some time before work.

“Qianrou, do you have any new… plans?” Li Wan had sensed a change in Qin Qianrou since she returned after the holidays.

“I’ve been thinking about something, but I haven’t made a decision yet.”

“You’re not planning on leaving me as well, are you? Then I’ll be all alone, struggling to hold down the fort, it’s not easy being by myself.”

Qin Qianrou reassured her, “I’ll definitely stay until the He Chao program is finished.”

The project proposal for the He Chao program had already been submitted, and they should be receiving a response soon, it was a major project, it would take at least a few months, Li Wan mentally calculated the time and didn’t comment further.

As expected, Lin Shuangzhi returned from Yong City on a Friday, formally submitting her resignation letter, then, having pulled some strings, completed all the necessary procedures that same day, and now, they were just waiting for the official approval.

This not only shocked the Special Projects Team, but also the rest of the station. Many had thought Lin Shuangzhi would be promoted, they hadn’t expected her to resign.

“I told you, she must have offended someone higher up.”

“Not necessarily, I heard her family’s business in Yong City is very successful, isn’t it better for her to go back and be a CEO?”

“What’s so good about that? If she wanted to be a CEO, why would she work so hard at the television station all these years? She must have been called back for an arranged marriage, sigh, even the most capable women can’t escape their family’s control.”

Gossip was always so captivating, fueled by speculation and exaggeration, spreading like wildfire, becoming a perfect outlet for complaints and resentment.

Li Wan was furious, and Lin Shuangzhi had to stop her from confronting them.

“Don’t mind them.”

Lin Shuangzhi didn’t want to waste this rare opportunity to be with Li Wan.

Qin Qianrou, back at home, told Shen Yiqiu about Lin Shuangzhi’s resignation.

“Ah? Why did she suddenly resign?”

“She’s going back to Yong City to help with the family business.”

“That’s such a shame.” Shen Yiqiu truly felt sorry for Lin Shuangzhi.

Qin Qianrou, seeing her expression, couldn’t help but chuckle. “You seem even more upset than the team leader herself.”

“I just think she should stay where she wants to be, doing what she loves.” Shen Yiqiu had heard a lot about Lin Shuangzhi from Li Wan, and she could sense the team leader’s passion for her work.

“We can’t always have what we want in life.”

Shen Yiqiu took her hand. “Jiejie, just do what you want to do, no matter the challenges, I’ll always support you.”

She paused, then added, “Even if your family needs help, I can… contribute.”

Qin Qianrou chuckled and flicked her earlobe playfully. “Don’t worry about such things, just focus on your studies.”

After dinner, they snuggled on the sofa, watching the news, it was Friday, they could sleep in tomorrow, such a beautiful evening shouldn’t be wasted on such mundane activities.

Qin Qianrou leaned against Shen Yiqiu, not wanting to move.

“Jiejie, are you going to take a shower?”

“No.”

Shen Yiqiu glanced at the time, it was Qin Qianrou’s usual shower time, “Why not?”

Qin Qianrou leaned against her lazily, then after a moment, looked at her meaningfully, “Because you’re being naughty.”

Shen Yiqiu, her secret thoughts exposed, her ears feeling slightly warm,

denied it, “I’m not, Jiejie, you’re overthinking things.”

Qin Qianrou sat up slightly, her legs still resting on the sofa, her long hair cascading down from Shen Yiqiu’s shoulder, a faint fragrance lingering in the air.

“Really? Then I’m going to take a shower now, and you’re not allowed to follow me.”

Although it was meant to be a prohibition, her tone didn’t sound very serious.

Shen Yiqiu touched her nose, clearly not intending to obey.

“I’ll just check the water temperature for you.”

Qin Qianrou casually tied up her hair, preparing for her shower.

“And then? And then, while you’re ‘checking,’ you’ll join me in the shower?”

She said this with her back to Shen Yiqiu, and as she finished speaking, she had already entered the bedroom. Shen Yiqiu heard the closet door open, Jiejie was getting her nightgown, and her legs, as if having a mind of their own, carried her towards the bedroom.

The burgundy silk nightgown draped over Qin Qianrou’s arm was incredibly alluring,

and Shen Yiqiu’s heart raced, her gaze fixated on it, but Qin Qianrou deliberately ignored her.

“Jiejie…”

Qin Qianrou stood by the bathroom door, looking at her calmly. “I can adjust the water temperature myself, so be a good girl and go back to your room.”

Shen Yiqiu licked her lips, clearly not intending to leave.

She hadn’t known before, but ever since that weekend when she had helped a weak and unsteady Qin Qianrou to the bathroom, ostensibly to assist her, she had discovered… new possibilities.

They had been busy all week, work and school keeping them occupied, the bathroom escapades hadn’t been repeated, but it was Friday again, and revisiting those pleasures… wasn’t a bad idea.

“But I don’t know how to adjust the water temperature, it’ll be too cold in my bathroom.”

Shen Yiqiu’s tone was sincere, as if genuinely concerned, and Qin Qianrou rolled her eyes inwardly, she hadn’t realized this child could be so… cunning.

If not for knowing her true intentions, seeing her innocent expression, she might have actually believed her.

Qin Qianrou remained silent, and Shen Yiqiu, taking advantage of this, pushed the door open slightly and slipped inside.

“I’ll help you.” With that, she rolled up her sleeves and opened the shower door.

Qin Qianrou leaned against the doorframe and turned to look at her,

Shen Yiqiu was bustling about, repeatedly passing by the bathtub without a glance, it seemed she had developed a preference for the shower.

Recalling their previous encounter, Qin Qianrou bit her lip, hesitant about whether to object,

the atmosphere was… conducive, and she was in much better shape than last time, full of energy, which also meant the little rascal was even more… unrestrained, her exploring hands everywhere, almost too much to handle.

“You…!” Qin Qianrou’s breath hitched, her cheeks flushed, a mixture of annoyance and pleasure.

“Jiejie, relax.” Shen Yiqiu smiled, her arms wrapping around Qin Qianrou, her cheek nuzzling against her neck.

Sigh, she was like this, and Qin Qianrou couldn’t help but soften,

she put her arms around Shen Yiqiu’s shoulders, leaning against her, their bodies pressed close together, the steam filling the bathroom, everything perfect.

Like a dream, neither of them wanting it to end.

The steam in the bathroom thickened, the air becoming heavy, their breaths mingling, a unique and intoxicating sensation.

Shen Yiqiu, at some point, had hidden something new in the bathroom, and Qin Qianrou, catching a glimpse of it, recognized the familiar brand and color scheme, but it wasn’t the box.

Same brand, but a different… product.

Shen Yiqiu smiled and whispered in her ear, her voice a seductive murmur amidst the steam, “I chose peach flavor, it should be sweet.”

Qin Qianrou practically melted against Shen Yiqiu, her arms around her neck preventing her from collapsing completely.

She struggled to speak, “Who told you to buy this?”

Shen Yiqiu’s eyes crinkled in a smile. “I saw the reviews online, they’re very positive, and there are many… in-depth reviews, it seems to be very popular.”

A trendy product, and you’re following the hype?

Qin Qianrou suddenly recalled Li Wan’s request for a review, she hadn’t expected anyone to be so… dedicated as to write such detailed reviews.

“I want to experience all the best things in the world with Jiejie.”

Shen Yiqiu’s tone was sincere, it was truly how she felt. She had opened the door to a new world, exploring and discovering its wonders, but only with Qin Qianrou, if it were anyone else, Shen Yiqiu wouldn’t be interested.

She had always been a devoted and discerning person, and Jiejie was her entire world.

Although slightly outrageous, Qin Qianrou didn’t object, Shen Yiqiu was so good to her, and she was happy with her, sharing such pleasures with the person you loved, there was no reason to resist.

The heat in the bathroom intensified, the steam mingling with their sweat, the sweet peach scent filling the air, almost intoxicating Qin Qianrou,

she even wondered if the scent would linger in the bedroom,

the thought of sleeping in this fragrance all night made her even weaker.

Shen Yiqiu’s soft moans became increasingly indistinct, and Qin Qianrou could barely hear her,

she vaguely heard Shen Yiqiu’s murmurs amidst the splashing water and the occasional gasps,

“It really is as delicious as they said online.”

Shen Yiqiu diligently cleaned the bathroom, how could she let Jiejie tire herself out further? She helped Qin Qianrou put on her nightgown, carried her out, and let her rest on the bed,

“I’ll be right back,” then thoughtfully handed her a glass of warm water.

She was always so considerate after their… passionate encounters, even though they often lasted a long time, making it impossible for Qin Qianrou to find fault with her.

She sighed softly, it was her own indulgence, after all.

The doorbell suddenly rang, and Qin Qianrou was puzzled, who would be visiting so late?

Her phone was still in the living room, she hadn’t brought it into the bedroom earlier, Qin Qianrou walked past the living room and towards the door, surprised to see the person standing outside.

Opening the door, Wen Yirong’s expression was calm, only a hint of weariness, no other visible emotions.

“Mom, what are you doing here?”

Wen Yirong looked at her silently, not speaking, until Qin Qianrou tightened her robe, covering the marks on her chest, the atmosphere easing slightly.

“There are some things we need to discuss, face-to-face.”

Wen Yirong’s serious tone was unusual.

Qin Qianrou stepped aside and invited her mother inside.

Wen Yirong had only been to this apartment once before, shortly after Qin Qianrou bought it. Her mother had often urged her to return to Hai City, but Wen Yirong herself usually stayed there, taking care of the Qin family.

Wen Yirong entered the living room, her gaze immediately falling on the phone on the coffee table. “I called you a few times before coming.”

Qin Qianrou brought over a cup of tea, picked up her phone, and glanced at it. “I was busy, I didn’t hear it.”

So late at night, her phone left in the living room, so many missed calls, and those… marks, Wen Yirong immediately understood the reason.

She glanced around, there was no sign of Shen Yiqiu.

Unlike her usual teasing tone, she asked seriously, “Where is she?”

There was no need to mention Shen Yiqiu’s name, they both knew who she was referring to.

Qin Qianrou pursed her lips, about to speak, when Shen Yiqiu’s voice came from the bedroom,

“Baby, I’m all done cleaning up, the peach scent really does linger…”

Shen Yiqiu often called her “baby,” which always made Qin Qianrou feel weak and slightly embarrassed, usually responding with a playful “You rascal.”

She hadn’t expected Shen Yiqiu to still be calling her “baby” after leaving the bathroom, the lingering peach scent must be the culprit.

Having walked a few steps, she realized there was someone else in the apartment, Wen Yirong and Qin Qianrou standing on either side of the sofa, looking at her intently.

She was still in her thin pajamas, and Shen Yiqiu felt a little awkward.

“Aunt, hello.”

Wen Yirong’s lips twitched slightly, but she maintained her composure. “Hello, sorry to disturb you so late, I needed to talk to Xiao Rou about something.”

“Oh, then you two talk, I won’t disturb you.”

Shen Yiqiu turned to leave, then, as if remembering something, abruptly changed direction and hurried to her room.

Wen Yirong’s gaze followed her, then she turned to her daughter, “Does she usually sleep in your room?”