Chapter 115 Path and Connection

“She and Fu Lian grew up together, and their families are very close. They even lived in the same courtyard when they were young and attended dance classes together. Even their teachers said they were like sisters. Commander Fang also helped the Fu family back then, and the two families have always maintained close ties.”

“Commander Fang recently came by and privately told Li An to take good care of her. He said something like, ‘Piaopiao has just arrived and is unfamiliar with the place, so you should guide her.’”

Qiao Wanyin glanced at Fu Ya's reaction and continued, "Tell me, with a background like that, who would dare to touch her? And who would be willing to offend Commander Fang for your sake?"

Fu Ya narrowed her eyes and stared intently at Qiao Wanyin.

"Why are you telling me all this? Don't think I can't see that you're not the kind of person who stands up for others for no reason."

"Do you think I don't know what you're up to?"

She gave a cold laugh, her voice full of vigilance.

"Are you trying to use me as a pawn to stand up for you? You want to use me to get close to her while you hide behind and watch the show? And then, once things get out of hand, you'll pretend to be innocent and wash your hands of everything?"

Qiao Wanyin met her gaze calmly.

“Fu Ya, I never intended to go against you. I don’t necessarily want to hold grudges about the past.”

She paused, her tone softening.

“Back then, you targeted me because of Fu Li’an, and you set obstacles for me at every turn, which I could understand. You liked him, you were angry, and you wanted to push me out, which is not hard to understand. But what was the result? You yourself were also ruined, removed from the lead dancer position, and even removed from the performance list. You paid the price, but he didn’t say a word for you.”

Is it worth it?

She asked in a low voice.

Is it worth jeopardizing your future and ruining your position for someone who has never been on your side?

"Right now, we all have our own difficulties."

Qiao Wanyin looked directly into Fu Ya's eyes.

"How about we join forces? I'll help you get back into the performing arts troupe and reclaim your rightful place. And you, help me teach Liu Piaopiao a lesson. I don't mean you have to hurt her or cause trouble, I just want her to understand that some positions can't be held onto just because of connections."

Fu Ya was stunned.

She stared blankly at Qiao Wanyin.

She didn't quite believe that Qiao Wanyin would suddenly change her mind and be so kind as to take the initiative to befriend her.

There are too many grudges and too deep conflicts in the past; they cannot be smoothed over with just a few kind words.

But upon closer reflection, what she said does make sense.

Liu Piaopiao's existence not only challenged her position but also shook the rules of the entire performing arts troupe.

If this trend is allowed to spread, who will still rely on their skills to make a living in the future?

Who would still be willing to practice hard?

Moreover, it was indeed she who had been causing trouble for Qiao Wanyin in the past.

She did many excessive things for Fu Li'an.

Now that they've fallen on hard times, Qiao Wanyin's act of not kicking them while they're down, but instead extending a helping hand, suggests there might still be room for a turnaround.

Thinking of this, she lowered her voice.

"What do you want me to do? I'm willing to listen to your explanation, but only if you let me know exactly how you plan to join forces and how you want me to make my move."

Seeing that she had agreed, Qiao Wanyin's tense expression relaxed slightly.

“Fu Ya, I’m telling the truth. I’m not lying to you. Actually, ever since we were in school, I’ve always felt that you’re smarter than me and more thoughtful.”

"With your brains, you must be able to figure out a way to deal with this, right? You can't just stay stuck here and waste your time."

Qiao Wanyin continued.

After hearing these words, Fu Ya's eyes flickered slightly.

She hesitated for a moment, then raised her head and looked directly at the other person.

"You said you could help me get back... How long exactly? I don't want to stay in this godforsaken place for another day."

Qiao Wanyin smiled slightly, her expression resolute.

"Don't worry, I'll go see Deputy Director Qiu today. I'll tell him that I've completely forgiven you and that I've personally witnessed your repentance over the past few days. You're sincere and willing to start anew. Given his trust in me, and considering the help I've given him these past few days, he shouldn't refuse to let you go."

She paused, then added, "Recently, Deputy Factory Director Qiu has been asking me for traditional Chinese medicine to regulate his body, hasn't he? Last time, he said that the prescription for calming the mind and replenishing qi was very effective. He won't refuse this favor."

After hearing this, Fu Ya's tense expression finally relaxed a little.

"OK!"

She answered decisively.

"As long as you can leave here sooner, I'll take care of Liu Piaopiao's matter for you! I mean what I say."

Qiao Wanyin's lips curled up slightly, and a smile spread from the depths of her eyes.

She knew that she had already won half the battle.

"Okay, it's a deal! It's a promise, and no one is allowed to go back on their word."

The next morning.

As dawn broke, Qiao Wanyin stood in front of Deputy Factory Director Qiu's house.

A cool morning breeze ruffled the stray hairs on her forehead.

But she stood ramrod straight, her expression composed.

She was carrying a delicately carved wooden box.

She took a deep breath and gently knocked on the dark brown wooden door.

"They're here."

A woman's voice came from inside the room, calm and unhurried.

A moment later, the door was slowly opened, and a well-dressed, elegant woman appeared in the doorway.

She wore an elegant silk cheongsam, and her hair was meticulously styled into a bun.

"Oh, it's Xiao Qiao!"

The moment she saw Qiao Wanyin, a warm smile immediately appeared on her face.

"It's so early, come in quickly, it's chilly outside."

Hello, Aunt Su.

Qiao Wanyin greeted them politely, then presented the carved wooden box with both hands.

“I specially asked someone to find this Ganoderma lucidum in the deep mountains and forests. I heard it is especially effective in lowering blood pressure and nourishing the mind. Knowing that Uncle Qiu has not been feeling well recently, I quickly brought it to you.”

Su Yufeng took the box, her fingers gently tracing the exquisite carvings, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes.

"You're such a thoughtful child!"

She sighed softly.

"Old Qiu's blood pressure has been unstable lately, and the doctor has advised him to be more careful. We were just worried about it when you delivered this treasure to our door."

Qiao Wanyin smiled and spoke gently.

"I'm glad I could help. I just happened to have this connection. I thought that since Uncle Qiu has worked so hard for the public for so many years, he should take good care of his health."

Su Yufeng nodded repeatedly and pulled her inside.

"Come, come, don't stand at the door talking, it's cold outside, come in and sit down."

Qiao Wanyin followed her into the spacious and bright living room.

She looked up and saw Deputy Factory Director Qiu sitting on the sofa, intently reading the newspaper in his hand.

His brows furrowed slightly, and he slowly raised his head only when he heard the noise.

Upon seeing her enter, he slowly put down the newspaper in his hand.

A rare smile appeared on his face.

"Xiao Qiao is here, have a seat."

He raised his hand and gently patted the sofa.

"How's everything going at the mutual aid center? Are you busy? Have you encountered any difficulties?"

Qiao Wanyin sat down properly, her posture upright, her knees together, and her hands resting naturally on her knees.

"Everything is fine."

She answered softly, her tone filled with genuine gratitude.

"Uncle Qiu, there's something I'd like to ask for your help with. I hesitated for a long time before deciding to come in person to tell you.