Reborn in the 80s: My Whole Family Secretly Hears My Thoughts and Goes Wild with Success! - Chapter 98

“Kang Zhixin, you and Shen Liya are cut from the same cloth—neither of you knows how to treat people with sincerity. The only difference is that Shen Liya is far cleverer than you.”

“You and Lu Shuangshuang have been used by her multiple times, haven’t you? And neither of you even realized it. You were both just happily playing along.”

Shen Zhiqiu smiled at Kang Zhixin. “Kang Zhixin, remember that Company Commander Gao you liked? Do you know why nothing ever came of that?”

Kang Zhixin tensed. “Why?”

“Because Shen Liya never delivered your letter. She stuffed it at the very bottom of her drawer.”

“I found it when I was searching for the letters my cousin had written to me—the ones she hid.”

“I didn’t realize it was your love letter to Company Commander Gao at first, so I skimmed a few lines. At the bottom, Shen Liya had even written notes mocking you, saying you were…”

Shen Zhiqiu deliberately trailed off, provoking Kang Zhixin into snapping, “Saying I was what?”

“Nothing pleasant, that’s for sure. I wouldn’t dare repeat it.”

“That letter is in my possession now. If you want it back, I can return it to you later.”

Kang Zhixin fell silent, her head bowed as she stewed in her thoughts. Shen Zhiqiu didn’t press her—she only needed Kang Zhixin to know the truth.

Tian Man had mentioned in their phone call that Chen Can had been getting close to General Xu’s granddaughter recently. Coincidentally, Kang Zhixin’s eldest sister, Kang Zhimiao, was married to General Xu’s second son.

Kang Zhixin’s nature was exactly as Shen Zhiqiu had described—she never considered consequences, only her own grievances. Whoever upset her would become the target of her vindictiveness.

Kang Zhixin was close to her sister and would undoubtedly complain to her. If her sister decided to intervene, it could accelerate things between Chen Can and General Xu’s granddaughter.

Regardless of how that played out, it would make life difficult for Shen Liya.

And Kang Zhixin wouldn’t let Shen Liya off easily. Letting them tear into each other would be entertaining—no matter who suffered, Shen Zhiqiu would enjoy the show.

…..

By evening, Wu Qingyun personally led a team to the night market stall Shen Zhiqiu had described. The vendor quickly confirmed the truth of the matter.

A little after nine, Shen Zhiqiu was released. Wu Qingyun brought her to the office, where Political Commissar Hu was waiting.

“Commissar Hu.” Shen Zhiqiu saluted.

Commissar Hu gestured to the chair in front of him. “Comrade Shen, my apologies for the inconvenience. Please, sit.”

Shen Zhiqiu’s voice was steady and composed. “No need for apologies, Commissar. I trust our leaders to investigate thoroughly and handle the matter fairly.”

“Good, good! That’s the attitude of a true comrade!”

Commissar Hu pointed at Shen Zhiqiu and turned to Wu Qingyun. “Xiao Wu, it just occurred to me—isn’t Shen Zhiqiu the comrade you mentioned wanting to recommend for advanced study?”

Wu Qingyun nodded. “Yes, Commissar. It’s her.”

Commissar Hu made the decision on the spot. “Then it’s settled. No need to file additional reports—I’ll personally ensure her name is added to the list.”

Shen Zhiqiu looked bewildered. Wu Qingyun nudged her discreetly. “Shen Zhiqiu, thank the Commissar.”

Though confused, Shen Zhiqiu trusted Wu Qingyun implicitly. She bowed deeply. “Thank you, Commissar Hu.”

“No need for thanks.”

Commissar Hu studied her. “Comrade Shen, I called you here to ask about your grandfather, Dong Hesong.”

Shen Zhiqiu feigned ignorance of their connection. “Commissar, you know my grandfather?”

“He saved my life years ago. Though I recall his youngest daughter had passed, and he had only one son—no other children.”

Shen Zhiqiu nodded. “You’re correct, Commissar. My grandfather has only one son, and Dong Xiaomei in our troupe is his biological granddaughter.”

“As for me, I’m not related by blood. Xiaomei and I were close, and Grandfather took a liking to me. That’s how we became family in spirit.”

“I see.” Commissar Hu asked, “How is Elder Dong’s health these days?”

“A while back, he twisted his ankle while gathering herbs in the mountains. Otherwise, he’s in good health.”

Commissar Hu got straight to the point. “Comrade Shen, when would be a good time for me to visit him?”

“Commissar, Xiaomei mentioned she’s going home this Sunday. Unfortunately, I have prior commitments, but if you’re free, you could accompany her.”

“Good. I’ll speak with Comrade Dong later.”

Commissar Hu stood. “Comrade Shen, thank you for your cooperation. Since the investigation is concluded, you’re free to go.”

…..

Shen Zhiqiu waited outside until Commissar Hu left, then returned to Wu Qingyun’s office.

“Commander, what’s this about advanced study?”

Wu Qingyun chuckled. “I knew you’d come back.”

She pulled a document from her desk drawer and handed it to Shen Zhiqiu. After reading it, Shen Zhiqiu’s hands trembled with excitement.

“Commander—Professor Tang Xuejun? The Professor Tang Xuejun?”

Professor Tang was her idol. She had always dreamed of studying under her.

To have this opportunity suddenly fall into her lap felt surreal—like a dream.

“Yes, the very one.”

Wu Qingyun explained further. “Higher-ups are planning a large-scale dance drama, and Professor Tang will assist in its choreography. Those selected for the program may perform in it. Do you understand what this means?”

Shen Zhiqiu nodded fervently. “Commander, I do.”

“The exact timeline isn’t set yet—likely after National Day. But Zhiqiu, will your family situation allow it? Will your husband agree?”

Wu Qingyun hesitated. “Discuss it with him first. If—”

Shen Zhiqiu’s gaze was unwavering. “Commander, there’s no if. I made it clear to my husband after giving birth—I will keep dancing. I won’t give it up. He promised to support me.”

“Then it’s settled.” Wu Qingyun smiled. “Though, to be honest, with Commissar Hu’s approval, you wouldn’t have had a choice to refuse anyway.”

“I was worried motherhood might change your priorities. I wanted this opportunity to remind you not to give up.”

She sighed. “Over the years, I’ve seen too many talented dancers abandon their craft for family.”

“Commander, thank you. I won’t let you down.” Shen Zhiqiu stood and bowed deeply, her gratitude profound.

“Zhiqiu, I saw your potential from the very beginning. I believe in you.” Wu Qingyun helped her up and gave her shoulder an encouraging squeeze.