QTIMP -Chapter 49 Character Persona – Greedy (Part 49)

Xiaoxue sobbed and hiccupped, sporadically cursing the three women.

“Have you figured out what to do?” Si Qiu held Xiaoxue’s hand and massaged her acupressure points to calm her down.

“It’s most likely that he’ll be sent down. I’m pregnant now, so I can’t go back to check… I don’t know how my father is doing.”

“Don’t cry, Xue. I said I’ll take leave and go see for myself.” Qin Nan wiped her tears with one hand and gently rubbed her back to soothe her.

“Ah… maybe I should go. You’re not familiar with the place,” Aunt Li said helplessly.

“No, Mom. If you go, it’ll draw attention. I’ll go instead—it’s easier for me to stay under the radar. After all, I’m insignificant.”

Aunt Li knew her son-in-law was right, but the child was still young. She worried about him handling affairs in an unfamiliar place.

“Can Second Brother and Third Brother contact some reliable friends, and Qin Bei go with Third Brother? That way, it won’t be so chaotic when they arrive.”

Si Qiu wasn’t claiming to be selfless; the last time she had been reported, it was Aunt Li who intervened and got her saved by appealing to the Revolutionary Committee.

“You should just gather some information and see if it’s possible to send some supplies to reduce Uncle Wang’s suffering. Also, since he’s going to be sent down for reform, see if there’s any way to maneuver, pick a decent location. If not, send extra gifts—there’s always room to negotiate.”

Hearing Si Qiu’s instructions, Aunt Li immediately started making arrangements.

“Yes, yes. I’ll call Second and Third Son. But we need to speak subtly. Xiaoxue, prepare some extra money and tickets for A-Nan to take with him.”

“I’ll go back and tell Xiao Bei. Xiaoxue, stop crying—you keep doing this, and A-Nan won’t be able to concentrate on his work.”

Si Qiu pushed the lunchbox forward.

“These are beef steamed dumplings. Eat a couple, don’t let the baby go hungry.”

Seeing that a plan was forming, Xiaoxue grabbed her handkerchief and wiped her face roughly.

“I know, Qiu Qiu. Don’t worry, I’ll take care of myself.”

Si Qiu and Aunt Li walked out together. When it was time to part ways, Si Qiu couldn’t help giving one more piece of advice:

“Aunt Li, if you have it at home, bring some hard currency when you go—valuable but convenient.”

Aunt Li patted her shoulder. “Xiao Qiu, you’re a good kid—thoughtful and meticulous. I owe you thanks this time.”

Si Qiu shook her head.

“Aunt Li, it’s not that you didn’t think of it—it’s that some things can’t be spoken aloud, otherwise Xiaoxue would blame you. I have a friend in Qi County; we used to correspond often. From my impression, it’s a decent place. If we can’t find a proper location, let Uncle go there. Then Xiao Bei and Third Brother can visit under the pretext of seeing a friend, and they can spend more time there.”

This time, Aunt Li nodded silently, and they went their separate ways.

Si Qiu rode her bike home. She ran into the couple at the door and updated Qin Bei on the situation.

“I’ll first go to the transport team to check on leave, then meet Third Brother.”

“Okay. Go first. I’ll pack some things for you.” Si Qiu planned to bring him some small yellow croakers, some protective medicinal powders, and other supplies.

After thinking, she took out a canvas waist pouch given by the system before, and organized the items carefully.

Besides the yellow croakers and medicinal powders, she packed some coins, nationwide currency notes, common Western medicine, and some jerky.

Wearing it around the waist, the loose clothing now would conceal it well.

Other clothes, food, and toiletries went into the small handbag Qin Bei usually took when on transport duty.

Qin Bei returned quickly. Entering the house, he said, “The transport team is going there, so I adjusted my schedule. We need to leave immediately.”

“Have you informed Third Brother? I’ve packed your things.” Si Qiu handed him the waist pouch.

“When I got back, I first notified him. I just came back to grab my luggage, then we head straight to the transport team.” Qin Bei took the bag and kissed her cheek.

“Qiu Qiu, I’m leaving now.”

“Don’t rush. Here’s a waist pouch for you. Keep it on, don’t remove it. Use it in emergencies. I put two small yellow croakers, some medicine, and jerky inside. If you don’t need the Western medicine, maybe you can give it to Uncle Wang. If he’s sent down, medicine is essential. Qin Bei, you and Third Brother must be careful. No matter how important others are, your life matters more.”

“I know. Don’t worry, Qiu Qiu. I still plan to grow old with you!” Qin Bei caressed her face twice, then turned and left with the packages.

The next day, Aunt Li continued working. She took Xiaoxue’s medical records to request leave. During lunch, Si Qiu inquired in detail about Xiaoxue’s condition.

Seeing that there was nothing serious and she only needed one or two days at home to recover, she felt relieved.

She planned to visit the state-run restaurant in the evening, buy some good food, and check on her—definitely not out of personal craving.

Their trip would last 11 days. During this time, they only received two calls: one upon arrival and another just before returning, confirming that Li Qingxue’s father was sent down to Qi County.

The investigation ban on the Wang brothers had been lifted, so they returned with Wang Li to check on the old man in Qi County.

Knowing roughly when they would arrive, all three requested leave and waited at the transport team entrance.

The truck had to unload at the main warehouse first. After Qin Bei returned, he was busy with the handover. Wang Li and Qin Nan quickly approached.

“Xiaoxue, how are you? Is the baby behaving?”

“Mom, are you and my sister okay?”

Both sides confirmed everything was fine and thanked Si Qiu.

“Si Qiu, thank you and Qin Bei. If not for the medicine Qin Bei brought, the old man probably wouldn’t have survived this long.” Wang Li even saluted her.

“Yes, yes. I didn’t expect the supplies you brought to be so complete.” Qin Nan awkwardly scratched his head; this trip had relied entirely on Fourth Brother’s care.

Thinking of this, he lowered his gaze slightly.