QTIMP -Chapter 259 Character Persona – Vicious (Part 22)

How could Si Qiu not know how those two would treat the elderly couple? But what did that have to do with her? As long as she made sure the old pair didn’t die for the time being, that was enough.

Before leaving, she gave the brother and sister another warning or two, then leisurely walked away. Even though it was indeed getting late, it did nothing to dampen her good mood.

As she walked, she began considering buying a bicycle. She had both the money and the ration coupons, though she seemed to be a little short on industrial coupons. Still, that was only a minor problem.

Since her small courtyard was located at the very end of the alley, she had to pass by the Weng family’s home on her way back.

Inside her room, a dressing table had been set up, covered with all kinds of skincare products. The wardrobe, painted in matching colors and trimmed with gold, had a full-length mirror attached to the inside of its doors.

Beside the window hung light pink lace curtains.

Si Qiu was very satisfied with the way the two men had decorated the room and generously rewarded them with an approving look.

The joy in their hearts practically overflowed.

“I also prepared some ingredients. In a bit, I’ll show you my cooking skills.”

Wen Luo thought that although he couldn’t stay by her side all the time, whenever he could, he had to earn as many favorability points as possible.

Lan Qing declined Wen Luo’s invitation and instead picked up a pair of scissors to help organize things. Wen Luo immediately felt that he might have chosen the wrong way to impress her.

Si Qiu nodded.

“Alright, go cook then. I’ll sort out the things I brought over.”

Wen Luo’s eyes nearly popped out of his head. Lan Qing ignored him completely, leaving him no choice but to head to the kitchen alone.

In truth, Si Qiu hadn’t brought even a single package from the Si household. However, over the past five years she had accumulated quite a collection of gifts and personal belongings.

After all, whenever men met her, the first thing they wanted to do was dress her up beautifully, like decorating a Christmas tree.

Of course, there were also the occasional mentally unbalanced ones who gained satisfaction by belittling others. But would Si Qiu ever give such people the chance to get close to her?

Now she could finally use all those things openly and without concern, so she took everything out of her space and used the move as a convenient excuse to explain their appearance.

With someone helping, Si Qiu naturally had an easier time. She directed Lan Qing as he neatly folded clothes, fabric, blankets, and quilts before placing them into the wardrobe.

Hair ties, hairpins, and ribbons were arranged on the dressing table. When she picked up the wristwatch Gu Jingnian had given her and held it against her wrist, she couldn’t help comparing it. She had never worn it before because she feared the old couple from the Si family would become greedy when they saw it.

“A Plum Blossom-brand watch? When did you get that, Qiuqiu? Why haven’t you worn it before?”

“I didn’t buy it. Someone gave it to me. It was too eye-catching to wear before, but now I can.”

Just as she was about to fasten it onto her wrist, Lan Qing suddenly pressed down on her hand. He took the watch from her, put it back into its case, and closed the lid. When Si Qiu reached out to grab it, he quickly lifted it high above his head.

“That watch isn’t attractive. Tomorrow I’ll bring you a better-looking one.”

As he spoke, he smoothly transferred the watch to his other hand and slipped it into the pocket on the opposite side.

Si Qiu had said it was a gift from someone else. Since it wasn’t from him or Wen Luo, then whoever had given it shouldn’t have any place on Si Qiu’s wrist.

No matter how the two of them competed, there was one thing they always agreed on: all the bees and butterflies swarming around from outside had to be eliminated first.

How could Si Qiu not understand what he was thinking? She merely shrugged indifferently.

“Fine. Just don’t let it delay me from having a watch to wear to work.”

Hearing that she had agreed, Lan Qing quickly promised,

“Don’t worry. It definitely won’t.”

At that moment, Weng family’s eldest son and Weng Yan stepped out of their house.

Weng Yan was still somewhat dissatisfied with Si Qiu, but the moment her eyes landed on that stunning face, she hurriedly dragged her brother back toward their courtyard.

Inwardly, she thought, That woman is a fox spirit. I absolutely can’t let my brother be bewitched by her.

The wooden door closed, then immediately opened again.

Weng Yan stuck her head out and looked toward Si Qiu.

“Um… while you were away, a man came looking for you. Not Uncle Wen… or those two.”

“I told my mom about it, and she went over and talked that person into leaving. Be careful yourself.”

Then she muttered under her breath, “Seriously, what’s the point of being that pretty? You might end up attracting trouble. A face like mine that radiates peace and stability is clearly the ideal.”

Si Qiu smiled at her and softly said, “Thank you.”

She had noticed that ever since leaving that household, most of the girls she met outside were actually quite lovely.

It really made her marvel at how powerful the Si parents’ genes were—out of their three daughters, not a single one was a good person.

Who would have thought that the girl would immediately pull her head back with a whoosh and slam the door shut with a bang?

Si Qiu paid it no mind and continued walking home.

Leaning against the door, Weng Yan patted her chest.

“Seriously, why does she have to smile so beautifully? Now I feel too embarrassed to complain about her anymore.”

Hearing her mother calling for her, she hurried back inside, muttering to herself.

“Honestly, what have those stinky men ever done to deserve this? A girl that pretty being looked at by them is practically a form of desecration.”

Over the next two days, Si Qiu spent her time supervising the brother and sister while they worked.

Under constant scrutiny from all sides, the pair radiated resentment from head to toe.

Si Qiu figured they were probably reaching their breaking point.

On Monday morning, when it was time to go to work, Lan Qing arrived early with breakfast, intending to eat with Si Qiu before they headed to work together.

At the gate, he happened to run into Wen Luo, who was also carrying breakfast.

The two exchanged stiff, insincere greetings before knocking on the door.

When no one answered, Wen Luo simply vaulted over the wall.

After opening the gate from the inside, they pushed their bicycles into the courtyard.

Wen Luo took the breakfast off his handlebars, while Lan Qing entered the main room and knocked on the door of the eastern bedroom.

The sound woke Si Qiu.

Because her schedule had been irregular over the past couple of days, she was still a little cranky from being awakened.

But when the person outside heard her voice, he gently reminded her that it was time for work.

Si Qiu instantly became fully awake.

She got out of bed, opened the door, and, dressed in a T-shirt and shorts—T-shirts did exist in this era, after all—headed straight for the washroom.

Wen Luo had already prepared warm water for her and even squeezed toothpaste onto the toothbrush.

After washing up, the three sat down together for breakfast.

Wen Luo kept glancing at her.

Tilting her head, Si Qiu looked at him in confusion.

Wen Luo swallowed and said softly,

“Qiuqiu, my leave is almost over.”

Si Qiu nodded to show she understood.

Wen Luo rubbed her head vigorously.

“You heartless little thing.”

Then his expression turned serious.

“Qiuqiu, I’ll write to you from now on. Promise me you won’t ignore my letters anymore, okay?”

Pouting slightly, Si Qiu still nodded.

In some matters, this guy was actually quite reliable.

At the very least, the house she was living in now suited her perfectly.

“Be careful and stay safe.”

Just those few simple words made Wen Luo’s face light up with joy.

His entire being seemed unable to contain the happiness overflowing from within.

After breakfast, Si Qiu went to change clothes.

Now that she had moved out, she could finally wear all her pretty outfits again.

She wore a light blue blouse on top and a slightly darker ankle-length skirt below.

The blouse was tucked neatly into the skirt, accentuating her slender waist.

Her black leather strap shoes clicked crisply against the bluestone pavement.

“Let’s go.”

Lan Qing suddenly reached for her hand.

Before Si Qiu could pull away, a cool object was fastened around her wrist.

Lowering her head, she discovered it was an Omega wristwatch.

It was even prettier than the one Gu Jingnian had given her—and, naturally, much more expensive as well.