Chapter 20: Written Interview

**Chapter 20: Written Interview**

"Mr. Qingshan, knock knock knock—"

Lin Qingshan hurriedly set down the knife and went to open the door.

Ito Ayumi stood at the door, holding a bag.

"Sorry to intrude, Mr. Qingshan."

Since it was a holiday, she wasn't wearing her usual work attire but a simple T-shirt and fitted jeans, carrying a small handbag. She looked a bit younger and more vibrant than usual.

After all, Ito Ayumi was just a 22-year-old young woman.

However, upon entering, she instinctively started to take off her canvas shoes.

Lin Qingshan quickly said, "Ah, Ito-san, there's no need to take off your shoes. Just come on in."

Ito Ayumi was momentarily surprised but soon realized she was in the Republic, not back in Japan.

This was her first formal visit to someone's home in Magic City, even though she had previously visited Lin Qingshan's old, shabby rental apartment without any such concern and had entered wearing high heels.

Now, Lin Qingshan had moved to a bright, spacious rental apartment, and he kept it very clean and tidy.

Thus, Ito Ayumi had instinctively paid attention to the custom of removing shoes before entering someone's home.

Reminded by Lin Qingshan, she realized that the custom of removing shoes didn't apply here in Magic City.

But... even in Magic City, people should still change into indoor slippers when visiting someone's home, right?

"Ah, I don't have spare slippers for guests," Lin Qingshan said, tapping his head. "Just come in like this."

"Really… is that okay?"

Ito Ayumi felt a bit embarrassed.

"It's fine. I'll just clean the floor later. After all, I don't have any extra slippers. Should I go out now and buy some for you?" Lin Qingshan shrugged.

"No… it's unnecessary."

Ito Ayumi was a bit uncomfortable but walked in with her canvas shoes, her cheeks flushed.

"Woof woof!"

Pochita, who had gotten to know Ito Ayumi over time, ran up to her with a wagging tail as soon as she entered.

"Pochita."

Ito Ayumi, fond of Pochita, patted its nice-feeling little head.

Lin Qingshan, curious, asked, "Ito-san, why did you come so early today? We only agreed that you would come around 11 a.m., didn't we?"

That was the time they had agreed upon earlier. By 11 a.m., he would have prepared the ingredients and had them ready in the pot, so they could start eating when Ito Ayumi and Gu Qianli arrived and had a chat.

Lin Qingshan checked his phone: 9:53 a.m. Almost an hour early.

Ito Ayumi first handed Lin Qingshan the bag, "Mr. Qingshan, here are the lemons and mint leaves you asked for."

"So, you came so early just for this?"

[{(translator: sauron)}]

Lin Qingshan scratched his head. "There was no need to. I just thought it would be convenient for you to pick up the items on your way here."

"No, actually, it's about the written interview we discussed…"

Ito Ayumi took out a completed questionnaire from her bag.

"Oh, I see... But you didn't have to come so early. Didn't we agree that you could just send it to me later?"

Lin Qingshan was surprised but still a bit puzzled.

"I thought it would be convenient to bring it along this time," Ito Ayumi said honestly.

Lin Qingshan was a bit surprised at her sincerity. Most people would probably choose to send it during work hours, using it as an excuse to take a break and not occupy their personal time.

"Do you have time now, Mr. Qingshan? Should we complete the interview questionnaire first?" Ito Ayumi asked cautiously.

Just then…

"Knock knock knock—Qingshan?"

The knocking sound came again, this time from Gu Qianli.

Lin Qingshan scratched his head. Ito Ayumi arriving early was unexpected, but Gu Qianli being early was surprising as well.

He still went to open the door.

Gu Qianli was just as youthful and vibrant as always, exuding the energy of a college student, and just as beautiful and charming.

Upon entering and seeing Ito Ayumi, she greeted her first, "Hi, Ayumi."

"Hi, Qianli."

Ito Ayumi responded a bit awkwardly.

To be honest, they weren't very familiar with each other during this time.

They had only interacted a few times due to Lin Qingshan on weekends, and outside of that context, they had no further contact.

This kind of interaction didn't really foster close relationships.

Gu Qianli, being more extroverted, didn't find the relationship awkward or uncomfortable.

But Ito Ayumi, being different from Gu Qianli, felt a bit restrained.

Seeing Gu Qianli, Pochita, which had been by Ito Ayumi's feet, immediately ran towards Gu Qianli, barking happily.

The joy in its barking was evident.

It seemed to know that Gu Qianli was its previous caretaker.

Or perhaps it saw Gu Qianli as another master, like Lin Qingshan.

Gu Qianli picked up Pochita and petted it, "Pochita, I'm here. Did you miss me~?"

"Woof woof~"

Pochita barked joyfully, as if responding to Gu Qianli.

"Qianli, come on in. By the way, no need to change shoes. I didn't buy guest slippers," Lin Qingshan said with a hint of frustration. "Looks like I'll need to buy some disposable slippers next time."

"No need. I'll bring a pair of slippers to keep here for next time," Gu Qianli said with a smile. "After all, I'll be visiting Pochita every week. Once the next semester starts and my schedule is lighter, I might come over even more often."

"Alright then."

Lin Qingshan had no objections.

Ito Ayumi, hearing Gu Qianli's words, said, "Well... should I bring my own slippers next time?"

"That's fine. After all, you'll also be coming over frequently," Lin Qingshan casually said.

"Eh? What's that in your hand, Qingshan?" Gu Qianli asked, noticing the questionnaire in Lin Qingshan's hand.

"Oh, this?" Lin Qingshan held up the questionnaire and said, "It's for a written interview for the next issue of 'Edge Runner.'"

"Can I take a look?"

Gu Qianli asked.

"Sure."

Lin Qingshan handed the questionnaire to Gu Qianli.

(End of Chapter)