Finally, when Qin Xiaowei returned and saw Lin Jichen, she couldn't help but rush in and hug him tightly.
Lin Jichen was caught off guard by the sudden embrace, only feeling a refreshing fragrance enveloping him, making him want to take a few more whiffs.
Qin Xiaowei quickly let go of Lin Jichen, her face flushing with a rosy hue.
"Thank you so much, Little Lin. You really helped me out this time. Without your help, I wouldn't have known what to do."
Thinking about it still made Qin Xiaowei shudder. As a small-time singer, she had angered a second-generation rich kid from the Capital City, leaving her sleepless and anxious for days, losing a significant amount of weight.
She had even considered quitting the entertainment industry and giving up her dream of being a singer to live as an ordinary person.
Fortunately, Lin Jichen had asked a friend to help, allowing her to return home safely so quickly.
To Qin Xiaowei, Lin Jichen was nothing short of a savior.
Moreover, Lin Jichen had been taking care of Niu Naitang all this time. She didn't know how she could ever repay such kindness.
"Sister Xiaowei, as long as you're okay. By the way, did the Yang family give you any trouble?"
Qin Xiaowei shook her head and smiled, "No, they didn't find me, but they went to my company, apologized in person, and gave me this."
With that, Qin Xiaowei took out a check for five million Chinese Yuan.
"This is their compensation. Little Lin, you should take it." Qin Xiaowei handed the check to Lin Jichen.
Lin Jichen didn't accept it, saying, "Sister Xiaowei, this is for you. How can I take it?"
"Take it. If it weren't for you, I might not have been able to come back at all."
But Lin Jichen insisted on not taking it, no matter what. Helpless, Qin Xiaowei had to put it away for now.
"By the way, where's Tang Tang?" Qin Xiaowei hadn't seen Tang Tang in a long time and missed her niece dearly.
"Uh..." Lin Jichen thought to himself, "Oh no, Tang Tang is probably playing games right now. If Qin Xiaowei sees her, will she get angry? Will she think I'm a bad influence on the child..."
"Auntie~ You're finally back~"
At that moment, Niu Naitang ran out of the bedroom and rushed towards Qin Xiaowei.
Qin Xiaowei happily hugged Niu Naitang, her eyes reddening, "Tang Tang, did you miss Auntie?"
"Of course, I missed you every day."
"Have you been listening to Auntie and behaving these days? You didn't cause Brother Lin any trouble or make him angry, did you?"
"No, Tang Tang has been very good."
The two chatted endlessly.
Lin Jichen watched from the side, thinking to himself that Tang Tang was quick-witted. If Qin Xiaowei caught her playing games, especially with the expensive gaming pod he bought for her, she might not get angry, but she might forbid Tang Tang from playing games in the future.
"Little Chen, is this Tang Tang's aunt, our landlord?"
At this moment, Gu Qiuxue also walked out, curiously asking.
Lin Jichen nodded, and Qin Xiaowei looked up at Gu Qiuxue.
Wow! Such a beautiful girl~ She's on par with Ren Lan.
The two exchanged glances, both secretly amazed.
"Sis, this is our landlord, Tang Tang's aunt, Sister Xiaowei."
"Sister Xiaowei, this is my sister, Gu Qiuxue. She's living with me now."
Lin Jichen briefly introduced them.
Qin Xiaowei quickly stood up and shook hands with Gu Qiuxue, greeting her.
After chatting for a bit, they found each other quite pleasant and quickly established a friendship.
Qin Xiaowei, weary from her travels, stayed for a while before taking her leave.
"Little Lin, Qiuxue, Tang Tang has been staying at your place for too long. I want to take her back. How about I treat you to dinner tonight?"
Gu Qiuxue didn't answer but looked at Lin Jichen, letting him decide.
Lin Jichen didn't hesitate and agreed.
"Then I'll go take a shower and rest for a bit. See you tonight. Tang Tang, go pack your things. It's time to go home," Qin Xiaowei said.
"Oh." Niu Naitang answered with a bit of disappointment, then turned to pack her backpack and clothes.
Niu Naitang was reluctant to leave, but she couldn't stay at someone else's house every night now that her aunt was back.
So she obediently packed her backpack and clothes, said goodbye again, and went upstairs with Qin Xiaowei.
Gu Qiuxue was also a bit reluctant to see Niu Naitang go. She really liked the little girl.
Lin Jichen noticed her feelings and comforted her, "Sis, it's okay. Tang Tang lives just upstairs. She can come over to play anytime."
"Mm, that's good." Gu Qiuxue finally felt better.
Lin Jichen then grinned mischievously, "Sis, now that Tang Tang is gone, we can have our own little world, right?"
Gu Qiuxue's face turned bright red, and she gave him a gentle, embarrassed glare before quickly retreating to her room, using the excuse of unfinished tasks in the game.
Lin Jichen chuckled, knowing that Gu Qiuxue was shy, and didn't push further. He also returned to his room to continue his journey.
That evening, the four of them gathered at a high-end restaurant.
The table was filled with delicious food, and Qin Xiaowei even ordered a bottle of red wine, while Tang Tang got a glass of juice.
"Little Lin, thank you for taking care of Tang Tang these past few days and for helping me with the trouble in the Capital City. I, Qin Xiaowei, will remember this favor. If you ever need my help, just ask. As long as I can do it, I'll do my best."
Qin Xiaowei raised her glass and solemnly thanked Lin Jichen.
Lin Jichen smiled and clinked glasses with her, "Sister Xiaowei, you're too kind. We're neighbors, and you're my landlord. It's only right to help with such matters. No need to be so formal."
"No, it might be a small matter to you, but to me, Tang Tang is my closest family, and singing is my dream. You've helped me with both, so how can I not take it seriously? I'll drink this first!"
Qin Xiaowei said and downed her glass of red wine in one go.
It seemed to be her first time drinking so quickly, as she choked and coughed for a while, her face turning even redder.
Seeing this, Lin Jichen also finished his drink in one gulp.
"I also want to toast your sister, Qiuxue." Qin Xiaowei refilled her glass and turned to Gu Qiuxue.
"Qiuxue, we hit it off right away. Thank you for also taking care of Tang Tang. I envy you for having such a good brother."
As she spoke, Qin Xiaowei glanced at Lin Jichen, her blush deepening.
It sounded almost like a daughter-in-law thanking her in-laws for raising such an excellent husband~
Gu Qiuxue naturally raised her glass in return.
With a few drinks, the conversation flowed, and the atmosphere at the table became very lively, with everyone chatting and laughing.
By the end of the meal, Qin Xiaowei and Gu Qiuxue were both a bit tipsy.
The two beauties, with their flushed faces and dreamy eyes, were a sight to behold.
When it was time to pay, neither of them could walk straight, so Lin Jichen had to support one on each arm, making the other patrons green with envy.