QTIMP -Chapter 297 Character Persona – Violent (Part 25)

Jiang Siyan had returned two months earlier after recovering from his injuries to continue his protective assignment.

Ye Shubai was urgently called away to conduct research on a type of heat-resistant, high-toughness material. The first thing he did upon arriving was to inquire about Si Qiu’s situation.

He learned that Si Qiu had completely severed ties with her former childhood fiancé. At that moment, he could clearly sense Ye Shubai’s joy.

But due to confidentiality requirements, Ye Shubai could not leave.

The day Si Qiu left school happened to be the day he left the laboratory. He didn’t even have time to eat or rest properly—only quickly washed up before heading to the Public Security Bureau based on the information Jiang Siyan had found.

What he had just seen made Ye Shubai feel complicated. Why were so many people thinking about his Si Qiu? Especially that Jiang Yiming just now—he was completely unworthy of her. How did he even have the nerve to try to win her favor?

This courtyard had been found with help from Li Jing and Zhao Jianguo, and Jiang Yiming had also arranged for people to renovate it again.

It was a standard three-room red-brick house. Opening the door led directly into the kitchen and dining area, with bedrooms on the east and west sides.

The kitchen had two stoves: the east room had a kang-heated stove, while the west room had a heated wall. The west room’s heated wall required a furnace to be lit.

As for a living room, there wasn’t one—the west room mainly served as a study and storage space.

Simple tools, coal, and firewood were stored in the western side room. This type of side room was generally not used for living, as the walls were thin, the structure tall, and it was not warm enough.

Only then did Si Qiu realize that not only had the house been renovated according to her requirements, but the pots, bowls, jars, and water containers inside were all neatly arranged. Coal and various tools in the side room, as well as the stacked firewood opposite it, were all carefully organized.

Seeing Si Qiu’s satisfied smile, Jiang Yiming also looked increasingly pleased. “There’s some money left from the renovation, so I used it to buy some coal and useful tools for you.”

“Did you end up spending extra money yourself to prepare all this so completely?” Si Qiu frowned and asked.

“No, I didn’t. A lot of the materials used for the renovation weren’t new, so it didn’t cost that much.”

At that moment, another car sounded outside. Curious, Si Qiu walked out to take a look. Two vehicles were parked at the entrance of the neighboring courtyard.

A group of people was unloading items from a truck, while three men got out of a black car.

“Ye Shubai?”

Hearing her voice, the man turned around. His eyes lit up immediately, and his lips curved slightly. “Si Qiu, long time no see. Why are you here?”

“This is my home. I just bought this house,” she said.

Ye Shubai’s eyes curved as well, his entire demeanor like spring breeze melting into blooming flowers. “What a coincidence. I live right next door.”

When Si Qiu called out his name, Jiang Yiming also recognized who he was. But Ye Shubai’s reaction next completely surprised him.

Was this still that aloof, ‘strangers stay away, acquaintances get lost’ kind of guy?

“When did you move in?” he asked.

“I just moved in today.”

“Since we both just moved in and probably haven’t finished settling in yet, how about we eat out later? My treat,” Ye Shubai said warmly, his voice clear and gentle.

Jiang Yiming narrowed his eyes slightly, smiling faintly. “Better not. If we’re treating anyone, it should be me—celebrating Si Qiu’s housewarming.”

Then, as if remembering something, he added, “Oh, and also a housewarming celebration for Comrade Ye.”

Who would have thought that Ye Shubai simply nodded and said, “Alright. Since Comrade Jiang is so enthusiastic, I won’t stand on ceremony.”

He then turned to Si Qiu. “How about Futai Restaurant? I’ve booked a few of their signature dishes there—the taste is quite good. Of course, signature dishes are a bit expensive… Comrade Jiang won’t be reluctant to pay, right?”

Jiang Yiming was shocked by his shamelessness, grinding his teeth so hard they almost creaked. “Of course not.”

Ye Shubai smiled even more brightly, while Jiang Yiming felt a throbbing vein at his temple.

Then Ye Shubai added, “Even if Comrade Jiang does feel a bit pained about it, that’s understandable. After all, there are two sons at home to support. One’s heart is split into several pieces, and one salary has to be divided many ways—it’s only natural to be more careful.”

The smile on Jiang Yiming’s face could no longer hold. Still, he forced out a stiff explanation. “I am a regiment commander. My monthly salary is over 200… (units), I can afford to support my sons and my wife. You don’t need to worry about that.”

Ye Shubai nodded very agreeably. “That’s true. Although it’s a bit less than mine, it’s still quite a lot. As long as you live carefully, you can manage just fine.”

Jiang Yiming narrowed his eyes, not letting his disgust show. This man was truly vile—no wonder he was one of the most disliked types in the compound.

The meal was eaten in an atmosphere of crossed blades and hidden daggers. Jiang Yiming’s guards and Jiang Siyan ate quickly, doing their best to minimize their presence.

They occasionally glanced at Si Qiu with admiring eyes, completely unable to understand how she could remain so composed, even enjoying the food in the middle of this storm.

After the meal, the two cars drove back one after the other to the same street.

When they sent Si Qiu back to her courtyard, Jiang Yiming immediately turned and shut the gate, cutting off Ye Shubai’s path.

Ye Shubai stared at the closed gate for a long time. Jiang Siyan knew his temperament too well and tried hard to persuade him.

Unexpectedly, after a while, the man suddenly laughed. It wasn’t a sarcastic or mocking smile, but a genuinely relaxed, open laugh. Then he turned and went back to his own courtyard.

Ignoring the mosquitoes in the yard, he pulled over a stool and sat down against the shared wall with Si Qiu.

On the other side, Si Qiu looked at him with a knowing expression.

“Comrade Jiang, why are you standing there? Come sit over here.”

She motioned him onto a small stool in the yard.

Jiang Yiming felt his heart sink, but he still took a deep breath and spoke hesitantly.

“Comrade Si Qiu, let me formally introduce my situation. My name is Jiang Yiming, and I currently serve as a regiment commander in the **** unit.

I was previously married and have two sons. My elder son is seven, and my younger son is two. My former wife passed away due to complications during childbirth with my second son.

I am currently single. My children are being taken care of by my mother in the countryside, and I only send living expenses each month.

As a senior regiment-level cadre, I earn enough to support a family. Today, I formally express my intention to pursue you. I hope we can build a family together and jointly contribute to the revolutionary cause.”

He sat upright, back straight, knees together, hands resting on his knees—now clenched into fists. His gaze was fixed intently on Si Qiu.

Si Qiu’s brows slightly furrowed. His heart tightened involuntarily. What had originally been a confident certainty had already dropped to fifty-fifty after meeting Ye Shubai—and now he felt even more uncertain.

Finally, Si Qiu let out a soft sigh.

“Comrade Jiang, thank you very much for your help during this period. Although you were acting in accordance with the military’s fine traditions and showing care and support for me as a member of the public who has twice caught enemy spies, as well as for the sake of your subordinate’s sisterly connection with me…”

“However, regarding your feelings for me, I’m afraid I must disappoint your kind intentions.”