QTIMP -Chapter 30 Character Persona – Greedy (Part 30)

Si Qiu picked up the things that had fallen to the ground and absentmindedly sorted through the items on the table: a brand-new women’s military uniform, two bags of milk powder, two boxes of malted milk, two tins of chocolate, and four pretty hair clips.

Seeing all this, she didn’t feel the least bit happy. Hadn’t she already made herself clear to him? What was the meaning of sending all these things now?

She shook out the cloth bag again and took out a folded sheet of paper. Opening it, she found nothing particularly special written inside.

It simply said that while strolling through a store, he had seen these items and thought she might be able to use them, so he bought them. Then he recounted a few amusing anecdotes from life in the army, ending with a line saying he looked forward to her reply.

Si Qiu shook out the package once more and spread it flat, placing everything back exactly as it had been. She even laid the letter neatly on top of the clothes. Following the same steps she had used to open the parcel earlier, she tried to seal it back up.

Sure enough, just as she had expected, even after a great deal of effort, she couldn’t pack it as neatly and tightly as it had originally been. Still, she managed to cram everything back inside.

Looking at the bundle—bulging like a stuffed bun about to split open—Si Qiu finally let out a sigh of relief.

The next day, she woke up an hour earlier than usual. After washing up, she headed to the state-run restaurant. Qin Bei and He Kuang were already waiting nearby. Si Qiu greeted them and waved toward Qiao Shengnan.

When Qiao Shengnan saw her, she called out directly, “We’re waiting in the back, Qiuqiu. Bring them in.”

Si Qiu led the two men around the restaurant to the small back door. She knocked, and Chef Qiao opened it. The three of them went inside.

“Uncle Qiao, this kid’s name is He Kuang—the one I told you about who wants to learn cooking.”

Chef Qiao sized him up. The boy was a little thin, but his face was fair and clean, and his eyes were bright. He looked rather likable.

“Alright. Let him try for a few days first. If it works out, we’ll talk further. If not, there’s no need to force it. After all, every trade has its master.”

He Kuang felt a bit nervous, but Qin Bei stepped forward.

“Hello, Chef Qiao. I’m his older brother. Thank you very much for giving him this opportunity. Don’t worry—I’ll make sure he performs well. Even if it doesn’t work out, it’ll just mean the kid doesn’t have the talent.”

With everything settled, Si Qiu hurried off to work. When she reached the entrance of her workplace, she saw the trio again. This time, Chen An wasn’t pushing a bicycle. He walked straight over.

“No need to ask for leave. The Director is also taking people to register, so we’ll go together.”

Si Qiu nodded. “Then, Brother Chen, could you help me take this package back later? I’ll go with Director Li to register with them.”

Chen An nodded and took the parcel. Just then, Director Li came out. Among the few people following behind her was unexpectedly Qin Nan, the third son of the Qin family.

“Did you all bring your household registration booklet and graduation certificate?” Director Li asked sternly, holding a bag filled with documents, her face serious as she addressed the six of them.

“We brought them. Everything’s here.”

“Director, don’t worry. We’ve got everything ready.”

“Good. Then let’s go. We’ll take the bus.”

They weren’t familiar with one another, so there was no need for greetings. The group took the bus to the registration office.

Director Li handed the group over to the staff at the registration desk. The first five people registered one by one. Finally, it was the turn of the person Chen An had brought.

Director Li specifically explained things to those who came to register. Of course, their superior had already put in a word. After glancing at the person they had brought, the other party turned to Director Li and said:

“Director Li, your unit has really brought us honor this time. Comrade Si has high political awareness, is brave and resilient, and carries a strong sense of responsibility. Because of her, we were able to uncover the enemy’s plot with the smallest cost and in the shortest time. Rest assured, the person you’ve brought—I will take good care of him. This must be the one taking over that quota to register, right? Come here, young man, bring your documents over.”

Si Qiu shook hands with him. “Thank you to your unit for looking after me. He’s like my own brother. As you know, I already have a job, so I don’t need this quota. I’m transferring it to him instead.”

She pulled the young man forward to introduce him. The boy was so shy he didn’t know what to do with his hands and feet, stammering awkward thanks. The registration process went very smoothly.

After that, arrangements like temporary dormitories no longer required their involvement.

Si Qiu and Director Li took the bus back. By the time they were done running around, it was almost noon and close to the end of the morning shift, but both of them planned to eat at their work unit, so they headed straight back.

However, as soon as they reached the entrance of the Public Security Bureau, Feng Yu—who had clearly been waiting there since early morning—blocked Si Qiu’s path.

“Xiao Xue, stop! Wait a minute!”

The elderly gatekeeper stopped her from rushing inside. “Hey, hey, young lady, what are you doing? This is the Public Security Bureau, not your home. Why are you charging in like that?”

The gatekeeper usually didn’t interfere. With the neighborhood committee located here, people often came and went to handle affairs or request mediation.

This time, though, seeing Feng Yu—a stranger—with a twisted expression shouting at young Si Qiu, he worried the girl might be bullied. After all, Si Qiu was polite and occasionally brought him little treats. The old man wasn’t ungrateful.

“Grandpa, I’m looking for her—Si Qiu. She’s my sister. My biological sister. We’re twins.”

The old man looked back and forth between their faces. They did look quite alike. Still, he didn’t let her pass and instead looked toward Si Qiu.

Si Qiu first spoke to Director Li. “Aunt Li, you go ahead and get back to work. I’ll see what she wants.”

Director Li looked uneasy. “If anything happens, just call out. If you don’t want to see her, I can go talk to your parents.”

Si Qiu smiled brightly. “Thank you, Aunt Li. Don’t worry—I can handle it.”

After thinking for a moment, Director Li felt somewhat reassured. After all, they were standing right outside the Public Security Bureau; surely that girl wouldn’t dare do anything too outrageous.

She nodded and walked back, but still added, “Girl, if there’s any trouble, just shout. Everyone’s here at the unit today.”

As Si Qiu walked out through the entrance hall, she slipped two White Rabbit milk candies into the gatekeeper’s hand. “Thank you, Grandpa. I’ll just talk with her in the alley.”

“Aiya, you child… Look at you. Alright. If anything happens, just shout. These old ears of mine are still sharp.”

Hearing both of them speak so protectively, Si Qiu couldn’t help but smile. It seemed her earlier decision not to hide the truth about her family had been the right one. Though it had made her the subject of gossip for a while, it also prevented people like Feng Yu from confusing the narrative.

She adjusted the strap of her crossbody bag. “Let’s go. We’ll talk over there.”

In the alley, Si Qiu crossed her arms and lifted her chin slightly. “Well? Go on.”

Feng Yu couldn’t stand her arrogance and dismissive attitude. The face that usually looked delicately tearful instantly twisted with hostility.

Si Qiu, however, only asked lightly, with a hint of impatience:

“What is it?”