Chapter 126: Qin Yu’s Arrangement

Anniversary Celebration.

Hearing those two words, Lin Xi felt nothing stirred within her heart.

Compared to other classmates who enjoyed such gatherings, Lin Xi was completely disinterested.

For one thing, she hadn’t made any good friends at Lingshi High School. She had transferred there in her senior year, and due to her personality, she never really fit in.

Her relationship with her classmates was just ordinary.

Ordinary to the extreme—they were in the same class, yet barely familiar with one another.

Back then, the other teachers only paid attention to her because of her uncle’s request. There was hardly any genuine affection.

So, there was absolutely no need for her to attend this anniversary celebration.

“I don’t have time,” Lin Xi replied outright, without hesitation. “If you’re going, remember to ask for leave early, don’t let work get delayed.”

“...Okay,” the assistant’s lips twitched sharply.

On Thursday morning, Lin Xi received a call from her uncle.

“Good morning,” he greeted.

“Good evening,” Lin Xi responded, mindful that it was still night where he was.

Her uncle didn’t beat around the bush. “I’ve sent your birthday gift back home. It should arrive in the next couple of days. Keep an eye out for the delivery. I sent it to the hospital.”

Hearing this, Lin Xi paused in her actions. “I told you, there’s no need.”

“I understand your feelings,” her uncle said. “But it’s a birthday—only once a year. How can you just skip it? We don’t have to make a fuss, just a simple meal and receiving gifts. That’s reasonable.”

Lin Xi curled the corners of her lips. “Alright. I’ll check with the hospital later to see if my package has arrived.”

“That’s the spirit,” her uncle said. “No matter what, on your birthday tomorrow, come back to the hospital and have a good meal with your grandfather and the others. If you have time, give your maternal grandparents a call too.”

Lin Xi considered it and said, “I’ll go back to Lingshi around noon tomorrow.”

“As long as it’s convenient for you,” her uncle replied, hoping she’d make the trip. “If it’s too much trouble, just call them.”

“No problem. I’ll ask for leave and head there early. Work’s not too busy these days anyway.”

Her uncle was relieved.

In the afternoon, Lin Xi called her aunt, asking her to keep an eye out for any parcels over the next couple of days.

Her aunt said a delivery had arrived around noon.

“I’ll come by later.”

“No need,” the aunt said. “Your third uncle is here. He’ll bring it back for you later so you won’t have to make a round trip tonight.”

“Third uncle’s here?”

“Yes,” her aunt confirmed. “He came over to discuss where to have your birthday meal.”

“I’ll go out,” Lin Xi said. “Third uncle suggested keeping it simple at home with the family, not too lively.”

“What do you think, Xi Xi?” her aunt sought Lin Xi’s opinion.

The last time she had celebrated Lin Xi’s birthday was when she was just a teenager. This time, she wanted it to be a bit more special.

But Qin Yu reminded them to consider Lin Xi’s own feelings.

Lin Xi’s birthday was just a day apart from Lin Chen’s death anniversary. Both had their significance, so it was safer to ask Lin Xi.

“Then let’s follow third uncle’s suggestion. I think staying home is fine too.”

“Good,” her aunt smiled. “Do you have anything special you want to eat? I’ll cook it for you myself.”

After a moment of thought, Lin Xi said, “Zha Jiang noodles?”

Other than that, she couldn’t think of anything else she particularly wanted.

“All right, what time will you come on Friday?”

“I plan to go to Lingshi first and return to the hospital in the evening.”

“Oh right, you have to go to Lingshi. Why don’t you bring your maternal grandparents over directly?”

“I called them at noon. They have something in the afternoon and can’t come. It’s okay; I’ll bring them over during the Spring Festival. I’ll trouble you more then, aunt.”

“You’re such a child, always talking like you’re from two families. What trouble? That’s being rude. Don’t say that again,” her aunt chided gently. “Alright, go on with your stuff. I’ll take the parcel to your third uncle.”

—

That evening, Lin Xi finished work on time and walked down with Engineer Chen and the others.

“Thanks for your hard work tomorrow.”

“No problem,” they all understood she had family matters and had to take leave. Otherwise, given Lin Xi’s enthusiasm for work, if allowed, she might as well live at the company.

“Lin, if you’re busy at home, you can take more days off. We’re here for the company. If something can’t be handled by us, it’s okay to work online when you have time.”

“It’s nothing major. Everything is fine at home. Just going back to Lingshi to see the elders.”

Lin Xi knew they worried about her taking leave often recently.

“Don’t worry. If I need to take more leave, I’ll tell everyone.”

As she exited the company gate, Lin Xi saw Qin Yu from afar.

He hadn’t driven today, probably went back to his apartment first before coming to pick her up.

After all, the apartment was within walking distance from Feiyun.

“I’m leaving first,” Lin Xi waved to them and unconsciously quickened her pace.

The weather was pleasant. Lin Xi wore only a thin shirt, her jacket draped over her arm. She walked side by side with Qin Yu under the moonlight.

“Third uncle, did aunt ask you to bring something for me?”

“Yes, an international package,” Qin Yu guessed. “Sent by your uncle?”

Lin Xi nodded. “He said it’s a birthday gift.”

“It’s with me. I’ll take it home later.”

“Okay.”

“Are you going to Lingshi tomorrow?” He looked down at her.

Aunt had mentioned it to him in the afternoon.

Lin Xi wasn’t surprised he knew.

“I’ll take you.”

“Ah?” Lin Xi was startled and declined. “No need.”

“I booked a car; it’s convenient. When you come back tomorrow, I’ll go straight to the hospital.”

“Then I’ll see you at the hospital.”

Despite her repeated refusals, Qin Yu didn’t press her and let her go.

Back at the apartment, Lin Xi followed Qin Yu but didn’t enter—she stood by the entrance.

Qin Yu lifted the package, it was heavy, so he didn’t let her help. “Go open the door; I’ll carry it inside.”

“Okay.” Lin Xi stepped out and opened her door.

Qin Yu placed the package in the living room so she wouldn’t have to move it later.

“Thanks, third uncle.” Lin Xi handed him a wet wipe to clean the dust off his hands.

“What time will you be back tomorrow? I’ll tell aunt so she can prepare dinner.”

After thinking for a moment, Lin Xi said, “Around four or five.”

“I’ll try to be earlier.”

The next morning, as Lin Xi went downstairs, she met Qin Yu’s assistant. The assistant didn’t seem to be waiting for Qin Yu but rather deliberately waiting for her.

“Something you need?”

Lin Xi stopped.

“These are from President Qin, to be delivered to your elders.”

The assistant carried several items, all arranged by Qin Yu.

(End of chapter)