Qin Auntie, Save Me [Rebirth] 99

Chapter 99

The advisor wasn’t very old and wasn’t a stickler for tradition. The situation at Meng Da was indeed as Shen Yiqiu had described to Zhang Meng; there were quite a few same-sex couples among the students.

However, Shen Yiqiu was different, she was Professor Shen’s daughter, and Meng Da had always treated her with special consideration, many professors, knowing her situation, were also particularly attentive to her academic progress, besides, other students were discreet about their relationships, and as long as they didn’t cause any trouble, the university turned a blind eye, pretending not to notice.

However, the trending posts about Shen Yiqiu had practically taken over the campus forum, causing quite a stir, and with her specifically requesting the university’s intervention, the advisor couldn’t simply ignore it.

But she hadn’t expected Shen Yiqiu to be so direct and confrontational.

“There’s no rule against dating, but even in relationships, there should be… boundaries, one should be mindful of their… influence.”

Shen Yiqiu’s expression darkened, her lips pressed together tightly.

“What do you mean by ‘unnatural relationship’? In this day and age, with the world becoming increasingly diverse and inclusive, is Meng Da still stuck in the feudal era, believing that only relationships between men and women are acceptable?”

The advisor, hearing her indignant tone, seeing her serious expression, had her suspicions. She didn’t have any personal biases against same-sex relationships, but as an advisor, her words and actions, to a certain extent, represented the university, and she couldn’t openly express her support.

“We live in a diverse and inclusive society, but same-sex relationships are still a minority, not fully accepted, and not legally protected.”

Besides the online posts, the advisor was also worried that Shen Yiqiu might be deceived and manipulated.

While arranging for the posts to be removed, she had read a few of them, the descriptions of the older woman, although vague, suggesting she was just toying with a naive university student, unwilling to acknowledge their relationship, unwilling to take responsibility.

With society becoming more open and accepting in recent years, the university had adopted a more lenient approach towards student relationships, and it had become increasingly common for students to live together off-campus, which, however, also led to cases of young women being harmed or their parents causing a commotion at the university.

At every meeting, advisors were reminded to pay attention to their students’ relationships, not to interfere excessively, but also not to ignore potential problems, this balance was always difficult to maintain, so many advisors chose a passive approach, checking in regularly, only intervening when problems arose.

Shen Yiqiu scoffed, “It’s precisely because there’s still a long way to go, so many protections lacking, that we should be more understanding and supportive of such relationships, we can’t simply deny their existence because of the current situation.”

Shen Yiqiu had never believed in self-deception, and being with Qin Qianrou had only strengthened her conviction to be true to herself.

“Sigh, I know anything I say now won’t change your mind, everyone experiences youthful infatuation, I understand your feelings, but please carefully consider my words.”

The advisor hadn’t asked about the identity of the older woman mentioned in the posts, seeing Shen Yiqiu’s attitude, she knew she wouldn’t reveal it, she had noticed earlier, when Shen Yiqiu had requested the posts be removed, her urgency and her insistence stemmed from a desire to protect that person.

The advisor shook her head, watching as Shen Yiqiu, her back straight and her expression resolute, left the office, then, after a moment of thought, she decided to call Reporter Qin, Shen Yiqiu’s move out of the dormitory had been arranged by Qin Qianrou, and now, with this incident, she felt obligated to inform her.

Zhang Meng had been waiting for Shen Yiqiu outside the office building, and seeing her emerge, her face grim, she guessed the meeting hadn’t gone well.

“Didn’t it go smoothly? I saw that most of the posts have been deleted.”

Shen Yiqiu, facing Zhang Meng, finally relaxed slightly, revealing her true feelings. “They were deleted, but I’m still angry!”

“What happened?”

“What else could it be? They think this kind of relationship is abnormal, unnatural, unacceptable, they advised me to… see the light.” Shen Yiqiu’s voice was filled with both anger and disdain.

Her feelings, her choices, it was none of their business.

Zhang Meng had expected this, but she personally understood them, she had even been secretly hoping they would be together, only those who had experienced true love understood how rare it was to find the right person.

“Forget it, not everyone can be understanding and accepting, just ignore them.” Besides advising her to let it go, Zhang Meng didn’t have any better solutions.

This was mainstream thinking; otherwise, same-sex relationships wouldn’t be considered a minority.

Shen Yiqiu, however, shook her head, dissatisfied.

“That’s not right.”

Zhang Meng looked at her, puzzled.

“We can’t just live in the shadows because we’re a minority, everyone has the right to love equally, I know it sounds idealistic, but if we don’t have dreams, what’s the difference between us and… salted fish?”

Zhang Meng chuckled, “It seems being with Reporter Qin has made you more like a journalist.”

Hmm? Shen Yiqiu didn’t think she had a gossipy nature.

“You both have this… unwavering conviction that’s truly inspiring.”

Zhang Meng thought, perhaps one day, just like Shen Yiqiu had said, all love would be equal, no longer categorized as mainstream or minority, no longer judged and whispered about, everyone free to choose who they loved, to enjoy the freedom of love.

Shen Yiqiu suddenly realized it was already 3 pm, she had made Zhang Meng miss lunch, and she felt bad.

“Senior, let me treat you to lunch.”

“I’m really busy today, you should go home and rest, don’t think too much about it.”

Zhang Meng had a meeting with her professor to discuss her thesis today. Shen Yiqiu waved goodbye and headed home, she wasn’t in the mood to study after today’s events.

Watching Shen Yiqiu’s slightly weary figure, Zhang Meng felt she should tell Reporter Qin about what had happened today, although she didn’t know how they usually interacted, she knew Shen Yiqiu was trying to appear mature and composed, she might try to handle this alone, instead of discussing it with Qin Qianrou, as she had said.

They were both her benefactors, and she wanted them both to be happy.

She had learned from her own experience with Gu Chao that what she thought was best for him had only made him more anxious, and she didn’t want her benefactors to repeat the same mistake.

**

With the He Chao program officially approved, the Special Projects Team became incredibly busy, this was Li Wan’s first major project as acting team leader, a highly topical yet also challenging story.

When Lin Shuangzhi first left, many hadn’t approved of her appointment, some even claiming it was due to her father’s influence, which made Li Wan even more determined to prove herself with this program, to silence her critics.

However, that pest, flying in from Yong City every weekend, had been clinging to her relentlessly, whispering sweet nothings in her ear all night long.

It wasn’t even Monday yet, and Li Wan’s legs still felt slightly weak, so annoyed she called Lin Shuangzhi and gave her a piece of her mind.

Qin Qianrou, although not commenting directly, the knowing smile in her eyes infuriated Li Wan.

“Qianrou, don’t laugh at me, you’re no better.”

Qin Qianrou, reviewing the newly gathered information, ignored Li Wan’s feeble attempt at retaliation,

“I’m not walking around like I’m floating on air.”

Li Wan was silenced, then, a thought suddenly occurred to her, recalling Lin Shuangzhi’s words, she said, slightly twisting them, “That’s because Shen Yiqiu isn’t… capable enough.”

Qin Qianrou looked up, feeling a sense of injustice on Shen Yiqiu’s behalf.

Lin Shuangzhi, if she heard this, would feel even more wronged, she had clearly said, “Xiao Wan, I couldn’t stop because… I wanted you to know how capable I am.”

So, what did this have to do with Shen Yiqiu?

Li Wan, having said this out of desperation, seeing Qin Qianrou’s silence, couldn’t resist pressing further, “Did I hit a nerve?”

Thinking about it, Shen Yiqiu’s earlier discussions about those “products,” her seemingly knowledgeable tone, Li Wan had actually thought she was quite experienced, now it seemed she had been deceived by the child’s pretense.

“It’s okay if she’s not very skilled, she’s still young, give her more opportunities to learn, she’ll improve.”

Qin Qianrou facepalmed, not wanting to discuss this topic.

It wasn’t that Shen Yiqiu wasn’t capable enough, perhaps she herself was the problem. Towards the… latter stages, Qin Qianrou was always drowsy, her body weak and limp,

she practically collapsed into Shen Yiqiu’s arms, regardless of where they started, Shen Yiqiu’s embrace was always the final destination,

that little rascal had even insisted on trying it on the dining table the other day, and now, even having a late-night snack, seeing that long, empty table, she couldn’t focus on eating,

she couldn’t quite forget the feeling of being… devoured, of being the main course on that table, yet the memory was strangely… intoxicating.

Qin Qianrou collected her thoughts, “It’s work hours, Acting Team Leader Li, weren’t you just vowing to achieve great things and silence your critics? And now you’re wasting time on such trivial matters?”

Occasional banter was fine, but work was still the priority. Li Wan didn’t persist, grabbed the documents, and left, her head held high,

even with slightly wobbly legs, she still maintained her composure.

Qin Qianrou, just as she was about to return to the documents, received a call from Shen Yiqiu’s advisor.

Since Shen Yiqiu moved in with her, Qin Qianrou’s contact with the advisor had decreased, firstly, because she was busy with work, secondly, she didn’t feel the need to interfere too much in Shen Yiqiu’s life at school, after all, she wasn’t her parent.

“Reporter Qin, hello, this is Shen Yiqiu’s advisor.”

“Hello.”

After a brief exchange of greetings, the advisor described the situation, her tone vague regarding the contents of the posts, not mentioning the vicious comments, simply subtly reminding Qin Qianrou to pay attention to Shen Yiqiu’s relationship, Qin Qianrou, however, didn’t seem to be in a hurry to end the call,

“That’s all, I won’t disturb your work any further.”

“Please wait, could you elaborate on the forum posts?”

Qin Qianrou’s serious tone made the advisor reveal a few more details, and from the limited information, Qin Qianrou understood that although seemingly targeting Shen Yiqiu, these posts were actually a warning to her.

“Thank you.”

Qin Qianrou looked at her schedule for the day, wondering if she could take some of her work home. She wasn’t planning on working overtime tonight, after this incident, she needed to talk to Shen Yiqiu properly.

Zhang Meng’s call came shortly afterwards, she rarely contacted her, and now, with everyone suddenly reaching out to her today, it was clearly unusual,

and since they were both from Meng Da, Qin Qianrou immediately thought of Shen Yiqiu, as expected, Zhang Meng’s call was also about her,

unlike the advisor’s description of Shen Yiqiu being stubborn and unyielding, almost like a robot, Zhang Meng described her as tired and putting on a brave face,

“Don’t worry, I won’t let her deal with this alone.”

Qin Qianrou’s voice was also slightly more emotional than before.

“That’s good, she cares about you deeply, I was worried you might be affected, but facing this together is always better than being alone, I’m sure it will help.”

“Thank you for your concern for Shen Yiqiu, I’ll take care of her.”

Although usually aloof, Qin Qianrou always expressed her gratitude sincerely, Zhang Meng had repeatedly tried to repay their kindness, which Qin Qianrou had always refused, she had even deliberately maintained a distance, not wanting to accept any form of repayment,

but now, Zhang Meng’s concern and support were something Qin Qianrou couldn’t, and wouldn’t, refuse.

She had wanted to leave work on time, but a last-minute meeting had delayed her, she had messaged Shen Yiqiu just before leaving, and Shen Yiqiu hadn’t replied to her earlier message,

Qin Qianrou packed up and drove straight home, Shen Yiqiu rarely responded so slowly, today’s incident at school couldn’t possibly not have affected her at all, yet she hadn’t mentioned a word about it,

arriving home, only the wall lamp in the living room was on, and the dishes on the dining table were covered, seemingly waiting for her return, but Shen Yiqiu wasn’t there, and she hadn’t come out to greet her,

Qin Qianrou placed her suit jacket on the sofa, put down her bag, and walked straight to Shen Yiqiu’s room.

The door was slightly ajar, she gently pushed it open and saw Shen Yiqiu with her back to her,

and just as she was about to call out to her, she heard Shen Yiqiu muttering to herself, “This won’t work, that won’t work either, should I really use my blood?”

Qin Qianrou frowned, What “this” and “that?” And why suddenly involve blood?

Shen Yiqiu, seemingly too engrossed in her thoughts, hadn’t noticed Qin Qianrou’s arrival,

she was holding the flyer she had taken from the bulletin board, having tried various methods, without any results,

she was about to resort to her last resort.

Having already decided to use her blood, the necessary tools were within reach. Qin Qianrou, standing at the doorway, couldn’t see clearly what Shen Yiqiu was doing, until she heard a soft gasp, and seeing a drop of red liquid, she pushed the door open and rushed in,

walking around to face Shen Yiqiu, she saw her squeezing a drop of blood from her pricked finger onto a slightly crumpled piece of paper,

the paper densely covered in printed words, and Qin Qianrou, after a quick glance, realized it was what Zhang Meng had mentioned,

the advisor hadn’t revealed the details of the posts, but Zhang Meng, knowing their relationship, hadn’t hidden anything,

Shen Yiqiu, startled by the sudden appearance, exclaimed,

“Jiejie!”

“Shen Yiqiu, what are you doing?!”

Qin Qianrou, ignoring everything else, snatched a tissue from the desk and pressed it against Shen Yiqiu’s finger, her anger flaring,

“Jiejie, don’t be angry yet, let me finish this first.”

Shen Yiqiu didn’t have time to explain, she quickly picked up the blood-stained paper, closed her eyes, and focused all her attention on it,

that familiar, agonizing pain in her chest gradually intensifying, her lips moving slightly, a mixture of anticipation and discomfort,

Qin Qianrou, although still angry, seeing her like this, seemed to understand, she remained silent, waiting patiently beside her,

after a moment, Shen Yiqiu slowly opened her eyes, her gaze regaining focus, as if returning from a distant journey,

“Jiejie, I just sensed… the Xinting Hotel.”

Hearing the name, Qin Qianrou couldn’t help but frown,

that place held unpleasant memories.

“I suspect… those posts are related to the people at the Xinting Hotel.”