QTIMP -Chapter 154 Character Persona – Love Brained (Part 25)

Hearing his words, Si Qiu sniffled, her eyes slightly red as she said,

“So in your heart, I’m just taking up your spare time. To you, I’m a bother…And coaxing me is just something you have to endure, isn’t it?”

Seeing her like this, Zhou Chenyu felt a pang of guilt. He stepped forward, hugging her tightly despite her struggles, and began to explain.

“Qiu Qiu, I’m sorry, I’m really sorry. I spoke without thinking just now. What happened earlier was truly my fault—I didn’t handle it properly. From now on, I will keep my distance from that girl and give you the security you deserve.”

To make amends, Zhou Chenyu was extremely attentive over the next few days. Gradually, Si Qiu began to forgive him.

Zhou Chenyu’s parents—Zhou Jinzhou and Xu Luanfeng—along with the Third Uncle of the Zhou family, came back to celebrate the old master’s birthday.

Given the Zhou family’s standing, even if Old Master Zhou didn’t throw a grand celebration, there would still be plenty of guests.

The Si family received an invitation, and Si Qiu herself also got one. She didn’t know who had sent it, which made it all the more intriguing.

On the day of Old Master Zhou’s birthday, Si Qiu wore a dress previously custom-made for her by Madam Si—a pale purple gown with an irregular hem.

The poufy skirt made her look cute and lively, while the pale purple added an air of elegance.

A necklace of tiny pearls graced her neck, neither overshadowing the dress nor clashing with her radiant skin.

Arriving at the old villa, she entered the garden and was immediately met with the sounds of a bustling celebration. The car was directed to the parking lot, and Si Qiu, along with Si Yanan and Si Anqi, approached the villa’s main entrance.

Zhou Chenyu stood at the door with a man about four or five years older than him, bearing a slight resemblance, welcoming the guests.

Seeing Si Qiu and the others approaching, he quickly stepped forward to greet Si Yanan and Si Anqi.

“Uncle Si, Aunt Si, thank you for coming to my grandfather’s birthday banquet. This is my third brother, Zhou Chengyuan.”

“Hello, Uncle Si, Aunt Si, and Miss Si Qiu. I’m this young man’s third brother, Zhou Chengyuan. Grandfather is inside entertaining old friends. I’ll have him lead you in.”

They were guided upstairs to a room. After knocking and receiving permission, they entered.

Old Master Zhou sat in the main seat, wearing a deep red Tang suit, surrounded by several elderly men.

Si Qiu followed her father and aunt, bowing in respect to each of the elders. Then Si Yanan presented the gift to Old Master Zhou.

“Wishing you fortune as vast as the East Sea, and longevity like the Southern Mountains.”

Si Qiu then offered her own gift. “Grandpa Zhou, may you enjoy enduring youth and health, with peace and happiness.”

“Very good, very good—all such thoughtful children, especially you, little girl, preparing a gift on your own.”

Si Qiu smiled sweetly. “I just relied on having met you once before and receiving an invitation, so I thought I’d come by to show my respects.”

The old man’s hand on the armrest pressed a little firmer as he listened, smiling unchanged.

“You’re a sweet-talker, little girl. Even this old man is at a loss around you. Alright, the banquet is about to start. Let Xiao Wu take you downstairs so you can mingle and get to know everyone properly.”

The three of them took their leave and went down to the first floor. Si Yanan looked at her with concern, but Si Qiu shook her head at her father, watching them integrate into the social circle.

Turning to speak with Zhou Chenyu, a richly dressed woman appeared, leading Huang Ziying, who wore a red evening gown.

Then she quickly raised her voice, “Ah Yu, come over! Mom wants to introduce someone to you. Huang Ziying’s uncle works at the Public Security Bureau. I just heard from Ziying that you two already know each other, so it’s perfect—your task today is to treat your sister Ziying well.”

Then she looked up, as if just noticing Si Qiu. “Oh my, there’s a pretty little girl here too! Whose child is this? How have I never seen her before?”

Si Qiu sneered inwardly. Now she didn’t even need to ask—she already knew who had sent the invitation.

She stepped forward, a polite smile on her face. “Hello, Auntie. My name is Si Qiu. I’m Si Yanan’s daughter.”

Xu Fengluan covered her mouth, feigning surprise.

“The Si family… the ones in high-tech, right? How’s your mother doing these days? I heard your father remarried a young wife and had a little brother for you.”

Her words hit a nerve. Si Qiu’s eyes grew cold, ignoring Zhou Chenyu’s anxious gaze, her lips curling into a faint, icy smile.

“Auntie, you really have the latest news. My mother is doing quite well—her career is rising, her future is bright, and she’s naturally full of energy. As for my father, the Si family has always been small in number. Having a little brother of my own was actually a relief. But your Xu family can’t compare—so many people, so many complicated matters.”

She was referring to Xu Fengluan’s two older brothers. Not long ago, her second brother had been under investigation for forcing a female student into a situation that led her to jump off a building.

Her eldest brother, pressured by family opposition, had to separate from his lover. Under the influence of his sister and mother, he had a child, who had already grown up and gone to teach in the frontier. He hadn’t returned in ten years.

Though the Xu family was said to be scholarly, in reality, it was now a scattered mess, relying entirely on Xu Fengluan to hold it together.

Xu Fengluan’s face immediately darkened at Si Qiu’s remark. She took a sip of her champagne, then said,

“That little girl really is sharp-tongued, just like Ziying said. Our Chenyu is quiet and reserved—when he finds a wife, she must be obedient and gentle. We cannot have someone whose family is unremarkable but who doesn’t hold her tongue.”

“Mom!” Zhou Chenyu shouted anxiously.

Xu Fengluan glared at him sternly. “Mom what? Chenyu, you must remember—you’re representing not just yourself, but the Zhou family and the Xu family as well.”

“What do you mean ‘Xu family’? Are there no people left in the Xu family?” Zhou Chenyu shot back, anger making him speak without thinking, nearly causing Xu Fengluan to clutch her chest in shock.

Huang Ziying hurriedly steadied her. “Auntie Xu, please don’t be angry. Brother Chenyu just spoke carelessly. There are many guests here today for the birthday celebration; you mustn’t let anyone see and laugh at us.”

Seeing his mother like this, Zhou Chenyu grew even more anxious and quickly went to support her other side.

“Mom, don’t be angry. It’s my fault. I spoke without thinking.”

It took Xu Fengluan a long moment to calm down. She grabbed Zhou Chenyu’s hand. “Chenyu, your grandparents treat you so well—you must not be ungrateful.”

Zhou Chenyu lowered his gaze slightly. He didn’t feel any genuine affection from his grandparents; even their kindness to his mother seemed largely utilitarian.

And now his mother was just a tool to patch the gaps in that family. Saying he should get to know Huang Ziying—wasn’t that just because of her uncle’s position?

He had already sunk to the point of feeling he had to “sell himself” for his uncle.

Watching Si Qiu turn and leave without hesitation, he suddenly felt a deep sorrow for his own future.

Si Qiu knew that her connection with Zhou Chenyu was over, and her heart ached terribly.