65 Ways of Loving
◎"The first time she shaved a man's beard"◎
Song Chiyu could tell that he must have suffered a lot physically during this time, but he was spiritually fulfilled. If he hadn't heard about her being trapped in Anxi as soon as he came out, he probably would have been even happier.
Qi Yanzhou didn't know what she wanted to do at first, until he felt his own understanding and his emotions gradually calmed down at her warm fingertips.
She worried that he would argue with them because of her after he went there.
Qi Yanzhou leaned against the marble surface of the washbasin, gazing at her silently. Her shaving technique was not skilled, even somewhat clumsy, but he made no attempt to interrupt, letting her carefully work on his face.
This is the first time Song Chiyu has shaved someone's beard.
She was afraid of drawing blood from his scald. She reached out her other hand and caught the foam from his chin, muttering softly, "I saw in the ads it scalds so smoothly, how come..."
By the time it reached her, even the blades seemed to have become dull.
To save face, Song Chiyu said, "I'll give you an electric razor later."
He suppressed a smile and said, "Yes."
While she was cleaning the razor blades, I offered some words of comfort: "It's been too long since you shaved; if it's too long, it's hard to shave."
Song Chiyu thought that for someone as clean as him to accept having such a long beard, the environment inside must be even harsher than she had imagined.
She refrained from asking, and after finally managing to shave her beard clean, she casually said, "Okay, go take a shower."
Qi Yanzhou knew his clothes were dirty and had been refraining from hugging her, but now he couldn't help but lean against the table from behind, pulling her into his arms and asking, "Do you mind if I hug you for a bit?"
Before she could finish speaking, she turned around and wrapped her arms around his neck.
A familiar sweet aroma wafts towards you.
He wrapped one arm around her waist and buried his face in her neck. "Why didn't you tell me?"
Even though she had given him an answer, he still couldn't get over it.
Song Chiyu couldn't brush him off, and her eyelids blinked as she leaned on his shoulder. "I rarely see you so interested in something, so I don't want these things to hold you back."
"And what about your life?" He also has a job, so how could he not know what taking more than twenty consecutive days of leave means? He might even be fired.
"I've already asked for leave from work. I have my marriage leave, annual leave, three weekends, and the vacation days I accumulated from working overtime. I can manage."
What about your home area?
“I told you you had some family matters to attend to and asked me to come here to help.” Song Chiyu had arranged everything. “That’s true.”
The way they helped was just a bit unusual.
He sighed silently.
In all his years of life, he had never put anyone in such a difficult position. He had only intended to test the Qi family, but he hadn't expected to drag her into it.
"It's alright, I'm back. I'll take care of everything." Qi Yanzhou was already planning how to clean up her mess.
“Teacher Qi, you don’t need to take responsibility. I can take responsibility for my own life. These are all the results of my careful consideration. Don’t feel guilty, don’t think it’s your fault. Your happiness is my happiness.” She wasn’t lying to him. Thinking that he would be happy about this experience, she couldn’t help but feel excited.
He was her husband, but she also allowed him to be a child again.
Qi Yanzhou's face remained fixed on her neck for a long time. "Mm."
Once he had calmed down, Song Chiyu voluntarily withdrew from the bathroom.
She knew that Qi Jianguo had done something wrong, but she didn't want Qi Yanzhou to argue with Qi Jianguo because of her. What could have been a simple matter could have been resolved by sitting down and talking it out, but once emotions got involved, even the simplest things couldn't be discussed clearly.
Qi Yanzhou had clearly been suppressing his emotions for a long time.
When she came out of the bathroom after changing into clean clothes, she had completely regained her usual calm and composure, exuding a rational and restrained steadiness.
His hair, long enough to cover his eyebrows and eyes, was pulled back, making his already deep brow bones appear even more defined and giving him a colder, more handsome look.
Song Chiyu was momentarily stunned, then blurted out, "So handsome."
Qi Yanzhou had never seen this side of her before, and raised an eyebrow in surprise: "What?"
"When are you coming back to sleep?" Song Chiyu made no attempt to hide her infatuation with him.
"Huh?" The topic changed so quickly that he thought he had misheard.
Whether intentionally to lighten the mood or not, she stood up from the foot of the bed, pounced on him, hugged his neck, and kissed him on the lips.
“I won’t wait for you to fall asleep, but you can wake me up anytime you’re back.” Her eyes were bright, the implication quite clear. “Of course, if you’re sleepy, we can wait until you take a nap.”
Qi Yanzhou was instantly amused.
Faint lines appeared at the corners of her eyes. "Okay, go to sleep now."
Qi Yanzhou is gone.
The lights in the courtyard were turned off one by one, leaving only the lights in the hall on.
As Song Chiyu was half asleep, she heard knocking on the window. She didn't want to answer, but the person outside persisted, knocking and calling, "Song Chiyu, Song Chiyu."
Qi Zhannan's voice.
Song Chiyu suppressed his impatience: "What is it, Young Master Qi?"
"My second uncle is back, aren't you going to see him?" Qi Zhannan was wide awake, even a little excited: "I heard that all the influential people in the Qi family are here, don't you want to go and listen?"
"Where should we listen?" Song Chiyu became a little interested.
"We climbed over the wall from the study and found a spot to crouch and listen."
Song Chiyu sat up instantly. "Wait for me, I'll put on a coat."
**
The main hall was completely silent; apart from the light and shadows filtering through, it was impossible to hear what was being said inside.
Song Chiyu and Qi Zhannan climbed in through the study window one after the other, and landed on the daybed without making a sound.
Only a few small lamps were lit in the main hall.
This made the already serious atmosphere even more somber.
Qi Yanzhou and Qi Qingfang sat in the seats directly opposite the main entrance, while the others sat on the left and right sides. This seating arrangement clearly divided the family's positions.
Song Chiyu had never seen Qi Yanzhou like this before.
Perhaps it was because the lighting was too dim, most of the person was immersed in darkness, making their already distinct and deep bone structure appear even colder, exuding an air of noble indifference that commanded respect without anger.
If he were always like this, Song Chiyu would never dare to ask him if he wanted to marry her.
It's obvious that this isn't something I can handle.
It's no wonder Qi Zhannan was afraid of him.
Even Song Chiyu was afraid of his current appearance.
Qi Zhannan was starting to chicken out. Thinking about what would happen if Qi Yanzhou found out that he had brought Song Chiyu to eavesdrop, he couldn't help but shudder. He secretly gave her a look, signaling her to leave.
But Song Chiyu didn't even look at him.
They watched intently as the people in the central hall ate their melons.
Once you start eating this melon, you won't be able to stop.
Qi Yanzhou stared calmly at the two young men kneeling before him. The two were his Third Uncle's men. Before joining his group, they stole burial goods, but after becoming his disciples, they learned to steal corpses and ashes. Now, they had been discovered by the people who arranged ghost marriages.
Have Uncle San's men hand them over.
The third uncle's men naturally disagreed, and several clashes broke out between the two groups, with several even ending up in the hospital. If it hadn't escalated so much and attracted official attention, those people would have already come to the Qi family.
The third uncle's men considered themselves prominent figures in Anxi, and they were even more unwilling to swallow this insult.
He had been planning how to regain face.
Third Uncle told them to let the matter rest, but no one listened to him. Instead, they thought he was too old and told him to mind his own business.
Fortunately, Qi Yanzhou returned.
Otherwise, who knows what kind of trouble would ensue later.
When Qi Yanzhou heard that the two had "learned their lesson" and started stealing ashes, he suddenly laughed out loud: "You call this learning your lesson?"
If anyone else had said this, Uncle San's men would have argued with them. But since the other party was Qi Yanzhou, who usually argued even when he was wrong, they were all as quiet as chickens.
Because other people always consider personal relationships and past connections, but Qi Yanzhou is extremely indifferent to human feelings. Even if his own uncle makes a mistake, he will not show leniency.
"Are they the only two kneeling?" Qi Yanzhou picked up his bone china teacup and asked, "Where is the person who stood up for them?"
"Stop talking about Master Qi. Just take these two things and get out of here. Just don't let the Qi family be implicated if you get caught." Qi Yanzhou's words were simple, but everyone present understood that anyone involved in this matter would be expelled from the Qi family until they could no longer be implicated.
But this involves the son of the third uncle.
Third Uncle's seniority was even higher than Qi Qingfang's; besides Qi Yanzhou, who among those present dared to speak up? Knowing their actions were inappropriate, they could only turn a blind eye.
Upon hearing this, the others did not show any panic; they all secretly observed the expressions of their third uncle and his family.
The son of my third uncle was about the same age as Qi Jianguo, and he sat on the left without saying a word.
Qi Yanzhou retorted without hesitation: "They dare to do this simply because the Qi family has some influence in Anxi. They think they can take the other side down. In your eyes, is the Qi family only capable of such despicable acts?"
“Qi Yanzhou, if you had any knowledge of the current market for ghost marriages…” Third Uncle’s son said.
"If you have any knowledge of the law, you should know that this is illegal."
"Illegal, illegal, that's all you ever say! These days, there's no such thing as making money without breaking the law! Qi Yanzhou, don't talk like that without understanding the situation. If you only have your teacher's salary, it wouldn't even cover the annual maintenance costs of the courtyard house."
"So what's the purpose of that antique street outside? Qi Jianguo can make money setting up his own business in Beijing, so why can't you just stay here?"
"I don't have that ability!"
“It’s not that you lack the ability, it’s that you think the money comes too slowly,” Qi Yanzhou said with a half-smile. “I’ve said it before, if you don’t want to walk the right path, then leave Anxi and sever all ties with the Qi family. Whatever murders or arson you commit outside has nothing to do with me.”
"Then you can divide the family property! I promise I'll leave the Qi family immediately!"
"The family property was already divided with Third Uncle, what else is there to divide?"
"Who do you think you are, to interfere?" Qi Yanzhou sneered. "If it weren't for Third Uncle, I would have already done a good deed by taking you and that group of people into this. This is the first time I've heard of someone engaging in such despicable behavior and being so fearless."
Qi Yanzhou was different from them.
He is clean, unafraid to deal with officials, and can even use them to exchange for resources and connections.
Third Uncle's son didn't believe he was really so heartless.
"Qi Yanzhou, you represent the entire Qi family's reputation, and now you... what's the difference between this and being someone's dog..."
"Whose dog do I look like to you?" Qi Yanzhou asked calmly.
Although others were also dissatisfied with Qi Yanzhou's behavior, they knew that this statement was biased. No one outside would dare to treat Qi Yanzhou like a dog. No matter who sought him out, they had to politely call him "Master Qi." When asking him for favors, they had to be respectful, watch his expression, and dare not be arrogant.
His influence extends far beyond the Qi family and the antique trade; he has a voice at every level.
Otherwise, how could he have secured this position at such a young age?
Third Uncle's son didn't dare to argue with him, saying, "Anyway, I think what you're doing now is too... cowardly."
Qi Yanzhou was too lazy to argue with him.
He casually picked up Qi Qingfang's cane from the chair and walked coldly to the two young men.
The two young men were so frightened they didn't dare to breathe.
Qi Yanzhou struck one of the young men directly on the leg with a stick, and his scream instantly echoed throughout the courtyard. Even the light in Aunt Ning's room turned on.
"Who told you to make a sound?" Qi Yanzhou asked expressionlessly.
"Biting his own arm," Qi Yanzhou raised his crutch, "if I hear your voice again, I won't just have one leg left."
The entire room was completely silent, except for the dull thud of the cane hitting flesh.
Song Chiyu's first thought was that the cane was of excellent quality, as it hadn't broken despite being hit so many times. Her second thought was that Qi Yanzhou was truly experienced in breaking people's legs.
Every shot hit a miss.
The third uncle's son, who had been arguing with Qi Yanzhou, gradually turned pale, especially when he saw that both young men's trouser legs were bleeding. He unconsciously changed his address from "Qi Yanzhou" to "Master Qi": "I think this matter isn't that complicated..."
"It's not that complicated. Whoever committed the crime, they just confess. Whoever they implicate gets kicked out of their home, and they can also take down another group of people while they're at it, ensuring one of them redeems himself through meritorious service."
“But then…” Uncle San’s son still had concerns: “Won’t others think we’re not being loyal enough?”
"Didn't I give you advice already? Anyone who has anything to do with those two things should get out, until they have no connection with the Qi family."
The third uncle's son pondered for a moment, his lips pale, and said, "I... I'll send them to turn themselves in. I will absolutely not let them implicate the Qi family."
Qi Yanzhou waited a few seconds, then said, "Then let's go. What are you still sitting here for?"
Third Uncle's son wanted to talk about his plans, but Qi Yanzhou had no interest in listening. "Your people, your affairs, how you plan to clean up the mess—you don't need to tell me. I only care about the Qi family."
Uncle San and his group left, and the night outside the window grew even deeper.
Qi Zhannan couldn't help but climb up from the opposite doorpost to his back: "Now you know how much I've suffered because of you, right?"
"I've shown you mercy, be grateful." Song Chiyu patted his shoulder.
Qi Zhannan was very dissatisfied, but the room was too quiet, and he didn't dare to make a sound.
Qi Yanzhou put his cane back in its place, sat down again, and asked, "Now you all know how to handle the affairs of your own sects, right?"
It remained quiet.
Qi Yanzhou took a sip of water: "It's getting late, let's all go back."
Upon hearing this, the others stood up.
Qi Yanzhou didn't even look at them. "Three days. Clean up all the messes under your command. When it gets to my side, things won't be so easy."
The others readily agreed, not daring to linger for even a moment longer.
The large central hall was suddenly left with only Qi Yanzhou, Qi Qingfang, and Qi Jianguo. Song Chiyu and Qi Zhannan were also preparing to leave. Just as the two were climbing back, Qi Jianguo's voice suddenly rang out: "Dad, you go to sleep first. Yanzhou and I will talk."
Qi Qingfang naturally knew what the two wanted to talk about.
He'd kept Song Chiyu trapped here for so long; it's no wonder Qi Yanzhou was causing him trouble. He'd clearly told him everything, but Qi Yanzhou, being a bit childish, just let it be; there was no need to make a big deal out of it. But Qi Jianguo wouldn't even listen to him, so the old man had no choice but to pretend he didn't hear and leave.
Qi Yanzhou didn't intend to linger, so he stood up and asked, "Brother, what do you want to say?"
"You..." Qi Jianguo paused, "Why do you prefer to talk to your younger siblings rather than me? Is it because you think I can't understand you, or because you want to share your burden? With your older brother here, how could I possibly let you be abandoned by everyone?"
"What are you talking about?" Qi Yanzhou retorted.
Qi Jianguo repeated what Song Chiyu had said in the car.
Song Chiyu never expected him to say these things to Qi Yanzhou. She wished she could pounce on him and cover his mouth, making her seem particularly self-righteous and nosy.
Even Qi Zhannan turned around in surprise and gave her a thumbs up.
Song Chiyu closed her eyes, wishing she could disappear into a crack in the ground.
Fortunately, Qi Yanzhou didn't have the habit of showing his emotions in front of others, and he remained calm when he heard her self-righteous interpretation: "Chi Yu didn't mean any harm by saying those things. She was just worried about me. Brother, you don't need to overthink it. We are related by blood. She definitely wasn't thinking about you when she said those things."
"But why didn't you tell me?"
"Because you know what I'm doing, but Chi Yu doesn't, so I have to explain more to her." His emotions were perfectly composed, revealing nothing of what he was thinking.
"You don't blame me for locking her up and forcing you to come back?"
"Chi Yu doesn't blame you, so why should I?"
"She doesn't blame me?" Qi Jianguo asked incredulously.
"She was worried that we'd hurt our relationship, so she took all the blame upon herself. I bear more responsibility for this than you do, and I'll find a way to handle it. Go to sleep early, brother."
The brothers who Qi Jianguo thought would turn against each other did not happen at all.
It could even be described as respectable.
"But I'd rather you have a big fight with me, so I know what you're thinking."
"I only want the Qi family to be well. Even if I'm gone one day, the Qi family ship can still sail safely."
"I don't want to hear these high-sounding words. I want to know you, I want to understand you!" Qi Jianguo raised his voice. "If it weren't for my sister-in-law, I wouldn't have realized that I haven't understood you for a long time! I don't know your ideals, I don't know your hobbies, I don't know what kind of life you like besides being the head of the family! As your older brother, I know nothing about you! It makes me feel like a complete failure!"
“It’s not that serious,” Qi Yanzhou said, avoiding a confrontation and even appearing quite amiable. “Even if you don’t understand me, it doesn’t stop you from loving me as your younger brother, does it?”
"I..." His anger dissipated instantly, and after being understood, he softened completely.
"Go to sleep early," Qi Yanzhou patted him, "Big brother."
Qi Yanzhou is leaving.
Song Chiyu and Qi Zhannan didn't dare to linger and hurriedly climbed up to the windowsill. However, in their haste, Qi Zhannan fell off the windowsill.
Qi Yanzhou happened to be at the door when he heard the noise and turned around: "Who is it?"
Qi Zhannan panicked even more, completely ignoring Song Chiyu behind him, and ran away with a limp, causing Song Chiyu, who was standing on the windowsill with one foot, to be caught red-handed.
The two stared at each other, wide-eyed.
Song Chiyu broke the silence first: "Teacher Qi..."
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