Chapter 416 - What? (1/2)

If Qin Sheng didn’t tell, Zhu Qingwen had no idea of the close relationship between Xue Qingyan and her nephew. And she didn’t expect that Xue Qingyan had helped Qin Sheng so much for which she was grateful to Xue Qingyan. Since that Qin Sheng mentioned, she asked more details, and said if Qin Sheng had time after the Spring Festival holiday, they should meet up with Xue Qingyan, chatting away. He had not met Xue Qingyan for long time and it would be a surprise for Xue Qingyan.

In fact, Zhu Qingwen and Xue Qingyan were not that familiar with each other. Xue Qingyan’s brother and Zhu Qingwen’s husband were both government officials first in Zhejiang Province and then were transferred to Shanghai. They had been colleagues for a long time and they joined in the same faction in the government, getting along well with each other. That was why Zhu Qingwen and Xue Qingyan had contact.

They had met up for a few times in Hangzhou and became closer when they moved to Shanghai. They sometimes participated in some activities, or hung out and drank coffee together. But they were not girlfriends who could talk about anything, and still had some suspicion to their friendship.

Knowing Qin Sheng’s things, Zhu Qingwen had some new ideas of Xue Qingyan. Last night when she got home, she called Xue Qingyan asking her where she was and when she had free time. Xue Qingyan happened to be in Shanghai and was free. She was hiding from somebody. Then they made it on today’s afternoon.

Zhu Qingwen was busy with entertaining guests at home in the daytime, and this was responsibility in the big family. Though Zhu Changshun had reached such a high level as a government official, he still couldn’t escape from social activities. The number of visitors increased a lot since he got a promotion before the Spring Festival. After all, there were some people he couldn’t refuse.

After all the guests left, Zhu Changshun went out. Zhu Qingwen then contacted Qin Sheng and Xue Qingyan respectively, informing them of the place she booked for dinner.

She booked a Shanghai restaurant in Dongdaming Road only accessible to VIPs such as high-leveled government officials and rich people. It only had boxes for frequent visitors. Zhu Qingwen chose this place for its quiet environment and privacy.

Zhu Qingwen arrived first. The restaurant owner came to welcome her, chatting away and having a few laughs. Since her husband was at the top of the pyramid of Shanghai, almost all people were eager to flatter her for some benefits. It was a great fortune for the restaurant to have such a distinguished guest.

The restaurant owner was a middle-aged woman dressing luxuriously, having an elegant and graceful aura. She was a successful businesswoman, had a brisk business and was highly sociable, praised a lot for her sophistication by others.

When Qin Sheng and Qin Ran arrived, the restaurant owner had left. Before she left, Zhu Qingwen asked her to inform the box in advance when Xue Qingyan arrived.

Qin Ran took a seat. “Small aunt, what are you and Qin Sheng planning? Why do you hide from me?”

Zhu Qingwen smiled. “Qin Sheng didn’t tell you? I thought you’d already known.” For one thing, Qin Sheng wanted to meet this sister who had helped him a lot, after all, he was totally different now. For another, Zhu Qingwen wanted to deliver her gratitude to Xue Qingyan for caring for Qin Sheng.

Qin Ran was particularly curious. She urged Qin Sheng to answer. “Come on. What’s the matter? Why do you hide from me?”

Qin Sheng said, “It’s not a big deal. I wanna meet up with a sister who has helped me a lot, and my small aunt knows her. I wanted to let Small Aunt ask her out after the Spring Festival holiday, but she’s in Shanghai now, so we make it on today.”

“Oh, I get it. I’m expecting it. I’m curious about the woman who you are honest to call her sister.” Qin Sheng was kind of jealous since she didn’t like Qin Sheng called other people “sister”. She hoped it was a special title for her.

Qin Sheng couldn’t help but smile. “Sister, you’re jealous. Sister Qingyan really helped me a lot. She even took revenge for me secretly after I escaped from Shanghai.”

“Oh, well,” Qin Ran thought and said, “Small Aunt, how did you get to know her?”

Zhu Qingwen smiled and explained. “Sheng’er said that we used to meet because of Qingyan. But I had no idea of who he was at that time, so I was unable to recognize him. Anyway, Qingyan was good. Her father was a leader in Zhejiang province. He has retired, but was still influential. His brother got along well with my husband. They used to be colleagues in Zhejiang, and they still work together now in Shanghai.”

Qin Ran recalled and said, “Xue? I know who she is. She is not easy. I’m quite surprised since she did help Qin Sheng.”

“She’s coming.” Zhu Qingwen giggled.

They chatted for a few words. Zhu Qingwen asked something about their New Year call visits. About 10 minutes later, the restaurant owner came in, telling them Xue Qingyan arrived.

“Sheng’er, find somewhere to hide yourself.” Zhu Qingwen gave Qin Sheng a glance. Qin Sheng had told her that he wanted to give Xue Qingyan a surprise and she agreed.

Qin Sheng gave her sister a glance, saying nothing, and went out of the box. He would stand by the box door, waiting for Xue Qingyan. He couldn’t wait to give his Ms. Cheongsam a big surprise.

After Qin Sheng went out, it didn’t take a long time before the box door was opened again, and the restaurant owner led Xue Qingyan in. “Miss Xue, here’s your box.”