QTIMP -Chapter 138 Character Persona – Love Brained (Part 9)

“But your intellectual capacity is limited. At this crucial age, you should focus on improving your knowledge base and building up your strength, rather than wasting your energy on trivial matters. Of course, this is just my personal advice as your older brother. Whether you listen or not is up to you—after all, the road ahead is yours to walk, step by step.”

Zhou Chenyu nodded quickly. “Thank you for your guidance, Second Brother. I’ll think it through carefully. I won’t let you or Grandpa down.”

Watching his second brother disappear through the doorway, Zhou Chenyu’s expression turned slightly serious. He couldn’t quite understand what his brother had meant—what exactly was he referring to?

If it was about Si Qiu, then it didn’t make sense. Grandpa had specifically told them to get along well. Even though Second Brother held considerable influence, he rarely went against Grandpa’s wishes.

But if it wasn’t about that… then was he dissatisfied with how Chenyu had been spending his time going out and having fun these past few days? Should he still go to the beach with them or not?

Frustrated, he scratched his head vigorously. Just like Lin Zixiang had said, dealing with people involved in politics was truly annoying—everything they said was full of twists and hidden meanings. They were all family, so why couldn’t they just speak plainly?

Yet, having grown up in the same kind of environment, reading between the lines had also become second nature to him.

As for why Zhou Chengyu had warned his younger cousin like that, even he didn’t fully understand. It was just that when he thought of the smile Chenyu had when he walked in, and what he did afterward, those words came out naturally.

At dinner, seeing Zhou Chenyu texting someone nonstop, Zhou Chengyu felt even more certain that what he had said earlier was absolutely correct. This cousin of his was far too playful—he would definitely have to give Third Uncle a call.

Meanwhile, the person busy exchanging messages back and forth with Si Qiu had no idea that his cousin was about to turn what should have been his most relaxing holiday into a period of study and self-improvement.

—

On the other side, Tian Shuang said directly to her parents, “Qiuqiu found me a part-time job over there. The pay is much higher than here. I’m planning to work for two months—it’ll be enough to cover my living expenses for half a semester.”

Her father smoked silently, saying nothing. Her mother wiped her hands on her apron and asked, “The pay is that high? Then could you find a job for your father and me too? If not, ask if there’s something your eldest cousin can do—he’s educated too, finished junior high!”

Tian Shuang felt bitterness welling up from her heart to her throat, but she still smiled innocently. “Mom, forget about junior high—someone like me, a high school graduate, only got accepted because I have computer skills and, well… I don’t look too bad. Otherwise, they wouldn’t even consider me. If I suggest bringing along a cousin who didn’t even finish junior high, they definitely won’t agree. Not only might he not get in—I might lose the opportunity too.”

Her father stubbed out his cigarette on the ground beside him. “Alright, stop nagging. Pack her things and let her go. The earlier she leaves, the earlier she starts earning. Once she’s established herself, then she can think about helping the family back home. She’s just a girl—she’ll get married someday. She’ll need her family to back her up. If she doesn’t support her natal family, who will stand up for her if she’s wronged in the future?”

Those words sounded like they were directed at Tian Shuang’s mother, but in reality, they were meant for Tian Shuang. Her expression didn’t change; she kept that same bright smile and nodded in agreement.

Her mother quickly grabbed her hand and added, “Shuang, if it weren’t for raising you, your father and I wouldn’t have ended up without another child. You mustn’t become unfilial after you leave.”

She couldn’t help but wonder if her mother was referring to that time years ago—when she had been pregnant with a second child, but strict family planning policies forced her, even at five months along, to terminate the pregnancy, leaving her unable to conceive again.

Ever since then, whenever something came up, her mother would hold her hand and repeat these words, making her bear a guilt that never belonged to her.

She wanted to cry—but those tears would serve no purpose.

Instead, she put on a radiant smile. “Mom, Dad, I understand everything you’re saying. I want to earn money quickly so you can save more for your retirement and not have to worry so much about me.”

“If I were unfilial, I’d just stay at home and wait for you to give me money to spend. So you don’t need to think so much.”

Tian’s mother nodded. “That’s good, that’s good. Then what about your admission notice?”

Tian Shuang turned around, pretending to pack her luggage as she wiped the tears from the corner of her eyes. “I put the address as my teacher’s place. When the time comes, Chang Li and Xu Duo can help bring it to me. Let’s not run back and forth—it costs quite a bit in travel expenses.”

“Mm, as long as you’ve thought it through. Have your mom give you another 100 yuan. It’s not easy to earn money, so don’t spend it carelessly. Those kids all love the pickles your mom makes—have her pack you two jars.”

Tian Shuang didn’t refuse. If possible, she wanted to get a bit more money from her parents, because she knew that if she didn’t spend it, her parents wouldn’t either—it would all end up benefiting her uncle’s family in the future.

But she also knew that her parents were unwilling to spend more money on her now. That was fine. She knew they loved her—just not that much.

The next day, no one came to see her off. She bought a train ticket herself and, after a day and a night on the train, arrived at her new starting point—Beijing.

As soon as she exited the station, she saw a sign with her name on it. The anxiety in her heart immediately eased, and she squeezed through the crowd toward it.

Pushing her way forward, she first followed the sign to a tall, sturdy, slightly dark-skinned boy. She hesitated, feeling a bit awkward, unsure whether to approach.

At that moment, a clear, melodious voice rang out like a lark’s: “Hey, Tian Shuang—over here, over here!”

Si Qiu had just come back from buying a bottle of water and saw the two of them staring at each other. She immediately squeezed through the crowd, hopping and waving as she called out. Tian Shuang quickly put on a smile and walked over, carrying her canvas bag.

Si Qiu and the others came over, and she hooked her arm around Tian Shuang’s.

Shao Yang, who had been holding the sign, immediately took her luggage. “Miss, let me carry that, let me carry that.”

Tian Shuang felt a little embarrassed, pressing her lips together as she softly said thank you.

Lin Zixiang came over and took the sign from him. “Why be so polite? We’re all friends here. I’m Qiuqiu’s cousin, and this is my buddy Shao Yang.”

Right after that, a boy dressed in a casual outfit similar in color to Si Qiu’s stepped forward and gave a small wave. “I’m Si Qiu’s boyfriend, Zhou Chenyu.”

Tian Shuang’s eyes widened in shock. Her lips moved, but no words came out.

Si Qiu felt a little embarrassed. Zhou Chenyu had confessed to her last night, and she had agreed. The two of them had officially become boyfriend and girlfriend today.

As for why Zhou Chenyu confessed—it all started with a phone call from his parents before dinner.

Between the lines, his parents kept urging him to learn from his cousin and stop thinking only about having fun, saying that he was still young and this was the best time to study.

Those words were almost identical to what his cousin had said. For some reason, a sense of crisis suddenly welled up in him. While chatting with Si Qiu on QQ, he confessed.

Maybe it was a bit impulsive, driven by emotion—but he didn’t regret it. Si Qiu had thought about it for a few minutes before agreeing. However, the two of them tacitly decided not to tell their parents.