QTIMP -Chapter 59 Character Persona – Lazy (Part 7)

Lu Hongjun joined in on the act. “Hmph, that corrupt official—if I hadn’t been fighting at the frontier back then, how could he have found a loophole to marry you? And now, you’ve come to deliver news about his embezzlement of the grain supplies… what, do you plan to return to his side afterward? Aren’t you afraid he might lay a hand on you? Remember, I may kill, but I never harm the innocent. He, on the other hand, isn’t so predictable. Little lady, you’d better obediently stay with me. I’m strong and healthy, far stronger than that fragile scholar of his.”

Then he leaned close to Si Qiu’s ear. “I promise to take care of you so comfortably that one time will make you think twice, two times will make you think countless times.”

Those suggestive words, combined with his intimate gestures, gradually heightened the atmosphere—allowing Si Qiu to experience a slice of blissful ecstasy.

The next morning, resentment welled up. Already lazy by nature, after working hard most of the night, having to get up for work in the morning—anyone would be driven crazy.

Lu Hongjun had just finished a mission. Since he wasn’t injured, he had a three-day leave. That morning, he first went to exercise, then came back to prepare the meals, squeeze out the toothpaste, and fill the water.

He entered the room to kiss awake his Sleeping Beauty, then stepped out with one side of his face slightly flushed.

He began preparing his wife’s crossbody bag for work.

He saw her all the way to the supply and marketing cooperative’s entrance, reminded her that he would deliver lunch later, placed the water bottle in his usual spot, and then quickly turned to go write his report.

Once Lu Hongjun left, the room was filled with the chirping of crickets in her ears. “Some people are just lucky—served like royalty, yet I wonder if they even deserve this kind of blessing.”

No need to look up to know who said it. But while her mouth muttered in frustration, she reached over and tried to tug Si Qiu’s hand holding the rag.

Si Qiu caught her wrist with her other hand, twisted outward, and Zhang Meijuan howled in pain.

Seeing this, everyone else stood up. Even the accountant and purchaser at the back peeked through the door.

“Xiao Qiu, stop, stop! Let go!”

“Yes, yes, we’re all colleagues—don’t fight.”

Si Qiu remained lazily poised, but her clear, piercing eyes carried a bone-chilling coldness. Her slightly parted lips added to the intimidation.

“Since you all stayed silent when she was whining just now, you can keep your mouths shut here too. Don’t meddle. I may be lazy, but I’m not someone to be trifled with.”

Everyone shrank their necks, smiling awkwardly and glancing around nervously, avoiding her gaze. Si Qiu turned her attention to Zhang Meifeng, tears and snot running down her face.

With her other hand, she slapped Zhang Meifeng twice—once with the palm, once reversed—then shook out her now-numb hand.

“Thick-skinned, aren’t you? My hand’s gone numb. Do you really think I’m easy to bully? That I’d let you get away with this? My man treats me well—what do you need to sulk over? With that pancake face of yours and your lousy character, not only would the Lu brothers ignore you, even anyone competent around here wouldn’t give you a second glance. Zhang Meijuan, the founding principle of our nation was to ensure people could live well. How is it that, in your mouth, I shouldn’t enjoy happiness? That’s actually against the founding ideals!”

She flashed an exquisitely beautiful smile. Once these words came out, not only Zhang Meijuan, but everyone else was frozen stiff.

In this era, being labeled like that could kill you—not just you, but drag your entire family down with you.

Zhang Meijuan seemed like a beast’s prey, completely losing the ability to speak. Even after Si Qiu released her, she collapsed, needing others to help her back to her counter.

The others watched Si Qiu cautiously, only to see her still lounging lazily behind the counter, holding a cloth and seemingly wiping at nothing in particular.

Of course, when truly bored, she would read a book. After all, reading could also be considered a way to conserve energy—who could say that mental exercise wasn’t exercise?

At noon, Lu Hongjun came to deliver lunch. “Qiuqiu, you must be hungry! Today, the head chef made pan-fried fish. It might be a bit salty, but the taste is pretty good.”

He opened three lunch boxes. The first two contained two dishes each, while the last one held only rice. He himself carried a steamed bun made from two-flour dough.

Si Qiu lifted the lid of the lunch box and pushed about two-thirds of the rice aside. “I can’t eat all this. Don’t let it go to waste—try to eat as much as you can.”

A smile spread across Lu Hongjun’s face, no longer mischievous but a bit goofy. “You eat first, and whatever’s left, give it to me. Eat as much as you can—you eat too little. I heard that when I’m on a mission, you go buy lunch every day. Then what do you eat in the morning?”

“Oh! When Si Lai has time to make it, I eat. If she doesn’t, I just have some biscuits.”

Hearing this, a flicker passed through Lu Hongjun’s eyes. As he thought, it was indeed true. His perception hadn’t been wrong: that woman held animosity toward his little wife.

Because Lu Hongqi left early in the mornings, that woman wouldn’t give his little wife any breakfast. But in the evenings, since Lu Hongqi usually returned home for dinner, his little wife could eat her dinner on time.

Looks like next time he goes on a mission, he’ll have to adjust the arrangements. Despite him giving supplies and money, that woman still played tricks—he found it truly exasperating.

“I say, it seems you’ve lost some weight. I’ll make sure to help you gain back at home these days. How about we make dumplings tonight?”

“All right! Brother Lu, it’s so nice to have you!”

Lu Hongjun’s smile became even more disarming. “Be good to me, huh? Then don’t get mad at me so much!”

He picked up a piece of slightly fatty fish and placed it on Si Qiu’s rice.

“Where?” she asked.

“Nowhere. So, how about going for a walk after dinner tonight?”

Si Qiu glared at him. “A walk is fine, but when I come back, I want to sleep soundly.”

Lu Hongjun bit into his bun and mumbled indistinctly, “Forget it… bedroom exercise counts as exercise too.”

Si Qiu glanced around. Song Juan had gone home to cook, so she wasn’t here. Zhang Meijuan had been hit and wasn’t eating here. Li Anmin had also disappeared somewhere unknown.

“Don’t worry. There’s no one else in this room anymore. And as for your old man—I don’t make mistakes like that.”

Si Qiu shot him a glance. Because he was good-looking, it all seemed like flirtatious winking, though Lu Hongjun simply thought so.

That afternoon, just as Si Qiu was drifting off to sleep, the counter in front of her was tapped. She looked up to see Si Lai standing across with a small basket.

Si Qiu yawned, twisted the cap off her water bottle, took a sip, and asked, “What are you selling?”

Si Lai smiled gently, tucking her hair behind her ear. “Qiuqiu, I came to buy half a pound of White Rabbit milk candy.”

Si Qiu took the coupon and money she offered, casually used the scale, packed the candy in a minute—completely betraying her usual leisurely demeanor.

After handing over the items, she wanted to go back to her nap.

Si Lai slowly received the items and, as if casually, asked, “The parcel from mother-in-law… I saw two shirts this time. Why aren’t you wearing them?”