Chapter 40

“The farewell ceremony for Cai Jie’s remains is scheduled for tomorrow morning at 8:20. Wei and I will both attend, so we won’t be able to visit you at the hospital until the afternoon.” 

Cai Jie was the veteran detective who was ambushed and killed. After the family left, Luo Wei, looking somber, picked up an apple and started peeling it.  

Hearing this, Wei Shian, who had just proposed successfully and was in a good mood while playing with the cheongsam doll keychain, felt his joy fade slightly. “What’s the bureau saying?” 

Knowing what his boss was asking, Luo Wei handed the peeled apple to him. “The bureau says they’ll apply for martyr status.” 

“That’s good,” Wei Shian’s expression softened as he took a bite of the apple. “My leg will heal in a few days, and I’ll be discharged. There’s no need for you all to keep coming here. The case is more important.” 

“We’re just wrapping things up; it’s manageable. We take turns, so it doesn’t interfere much.” 

“Even so, it’s unnecessary. Now that I’m officially engaged, I have my fiancée and her parents to take care of me. No need for so many people.” 

Luo Wei, who was about to peel another apple for himself, suddenly felt full. 

Pretending not to notice his team member’s distorted expression, Wei Shian took another bite of the apple and continued, “Make sure to keep comforting Wei. I’m fine, right? When I’m back on duty, I’ll treat everyone to a good meal.” 

Luo Wei said, “I’ve told him several times. It’s just that it’s still too soon; he’ll probably come around after some time.” Then he thought something was off—his boss was sharp as a tack; why would he need him to explain the basics? 

Realizing something, Luo Wei couldn’t help but roll his eyes. “Boss, you’re quite talkative today.” 

“Really?” Wei Shian put the cheongsam doll into his chest pocket. “You wouldn’t understand what it feels like to have a fiancée.” 

Luo Wei squeezed the apple in his hand, struggling to resist the urge to throw it at him. 

If only he could beat him. 

— 

Elsewhere. 

“Be honest, what’s going on between you and Officer Luo?” Back at home, after a quick freshen-up, Lu Jiu was applying a face mask while ‘interrogating’ her childhood friend, who was playing with her cat, Marshmallow 

Fang Jingjing almost rolled her eyes. “What could possibly be going on between me and that unlucky guy? Don’t overthink it.” 

Lu Jiu was skeptical. “Really? You two sound pretty familiar.” 

Fang Jingjing couldn’t argue with that—after all, they’d been bickering for so long. How could they not be familiar? 

But admitting to arguing all the time, with varying degrees of success, would hurt her pride as Lady Fang: “Ugh, let’s not talk about that annoying guy. Are you planning on holding an engagement banquet?” 

“My parents and his will definitely discuss it.” 

Fang Jingjing said, “I have a suggestion: if it’s not during the summer holidays, try to pick a weekend.” 

Lu Jiu nodded. “We’ll definitely consider your schedule, don’t worry.” 

Fang Jingjing hugged Marshmallow, using its silky fur to wipe away nonexistent tears. “That’s why I raised you, my dear Mu Dan. I knew you couldn’t bear to part with me.” 

Lu Jiu glanced over, noticing that Marshmallow was pressing its paws against her friend’s face, refusing to be close, and she almost burst out laughing. She quickly covered her face mask and protested, “Stop making me laugh!” 

“Alright, alright, hurry up.” 

After finishing her skincare routine, Lu Jiu crawled into bed. “I’m ready to sleep. How about you? Need to rest a bit?” 

Having gotten up early today, Fang Jingjing was also feeling tired, so she changed into pajamas and crawled into bed as well. 

After lying side by side for a while, Fang Jingjing suddenly turned to her friend and whispered, “Are you asleep yet?” 

“No,” Lu Jiu replied without opening her eyes. 

Fang Jingjing sighed, “Time flies so fast; you’re about to get married.” 

“It’s just an engagement.” 

“Still, after about a year, you’ll be married. I heard that once women have families, the bond between best friends fades. That won’t happen to us, right?” 

Lu Jiu responded, “It depends on the person and, well, economic circumstances. For example, I’ll still have plenty of personal time even after marriage, and I can’t see our bond fading.” 

Such a life was truly enviable. Fang Jingjing’s family wasn’t bad either; as an only child, her parents were already looking for a new home for her and even agreed to help her buy a car in a couple of years. Still, it couldn’t compare to Mudan’s family. 

Though she was a bit envious, she was more happy for her best friend, who was now a wealthy woman. 

With that thought, she reached out to pinch her friend’s cheek. “Just remember not to forget your bestie after you’re married.” 

“What are you thinking?” Lu Jiu pushed her friend’s hand away, her face flushing. 

“Ah, look at you, getting all flustered. What’ll you do when you two, you know, get intimate?” 

Lu Jiu retorted, “You’re such a perv! Shut up already.” 

Fang Jingjing wasn’t fazed. “It’s normal, you know.” 

Lu Jiu just closed her eyes, lying still in bed, clearly refusing to continue the conversation. 

“Alright, alright, just five more minutes, and then we’ll sleep.” 

Lu Jiu turned back around immediately. “What do you want to talk about?” 

Fang Jingjing looked mysterious. “Let me tell you something that’ll blow your mind.” 

“That serious?” 

“Not serious, just shameless—about Zhu Qian.” 

“What did she do now?” 

“Her reputation took a hit after her last blind date incident. Now no one at work wants to introduce her to anyone.” 

“And?” 

“So she set her sights on her cousin. Her cousin was set up with someone who sounded like a good catch, so Zhu Qian went ahead of her cousin and confessed to him, saying she fell in love at first sight.” 

“That’s so low. What happened next? How do you know?” 

“Our circle is small. The guy must’ve heard about Zhu Qian and ignored her. Not only that, but he told the matchmaker about her confession.” 

“Did Zhu Qian’s cousin end up with the guy?” 

“That, I’m not sure. But Zhu Qian’s aunt, her cousin’s mother, came to our school and made a scene.” 

“Doesn’t that completely ruin Zhu Qian’s reputation? You said she’s good-looking and has a respectable job, so why would she do something like that?” 

“Maybe she finds more satisfaction in taking what others have? I don’t really get it, but a lot of parents have already complained to the principal and the education bureau. I doubt Zhu Qian will be able to keep her job.” 

Lu Jiu commented, “That really does challenge my understanding. Also, someone like that really isn’t fit to be a teacher.” 

“Right? Want to hear another story?” Fang Jingjing became more awake and excited as they talked, and before they knew it, an hour had passed. “Great, now I can’t sleep. Every time I stay over with you, we just keep talking and talking.” 

Lu Jiu glanced at the time, her expression a bit resentful, “And whose fault is that?” 

Fang Jingjing blinked, “How about we chat for just five more minutes?” 

Lu Jiu shifted her position, looking expectant, “Okay, what’s next?” 

“So, a few days ago, I got set up on another blind date. I suggested meeting at a tea house, you know, for a casual chat, but the guy insisted on meeting at a park. I didn’t think much of it and agreed, but I didn’t expect him to be such a chatterbox. He kept me under the sun for four hours with just a bottle of water!” 

Lu Jiu grimaced, “Why didn’t you leave sooner?” 

Fang Jingjing sighed, “I think there’s something wrong with me.” 

Lu Jiu: “What do you mean?” 

“Whenever someone sets me up on a date, I actually feel a bit hopeful. But as soon as I get all dressed up and meet the person, I instantly feel repulsed. I’m not exaggerating—whenever they talk to me, I get all prickly. So now I’m wondering if there’s something wrong with my mindset, or maybe that’s why no one seems right to me.” 

“Maybe you just haven’t met someone you like yet, or you’re not into the whole blind date thing? Maybe you’re the type who needs to get to know someone gradually before falling for them.” 

Fang Jingjing looked puzzled, “I don’t know either. That’s why I thought maybe if I spent more time with the blind date, I might start seeing their good sides.” 

“And did you?” 

“Nope. I managed to endure four hours, and when I got home, I realized I’d gotten sunburned.” 

“Hahaha.” 

“Don’t laugh! I’m seriously wondering—why is it that on TV, there are all these handsome and nice guys, but I never meet anyone like that on my blind dates? Do all the good guys stay underground?” 

“Hahaha.” 

“Still laughing? Fine, let’s change the topic. We’ll talk for just five more minutes, and then we really need to sleep.” 

“Sure.” 

= 

Wei Shian stayed in the hospital for a week. 

During that time, not only did Lu Pengfei, but also Lu Jun and Han Fengming came to visit. 

In fact, all the close relatives of the Lu family came to see him. 

Since the engagement was official, as the Lu family’s son-in-law, it was only proper that they meet him. 

Thanks to Wei Shian’s strong mental fortitude, not only did he not feel awkward, but he was actually quite pleased. 

On the day of his discharge, his mood was even brighter. 

While Fang Qiuci was handling the discharge procedures, Lu Jiu was packing up the clothes. She noticed his good mood and asked with a smile, “Are you really that happy to be discharged?” 

Wei Shian, already dressed in his own clothes, one foot on the floor and the other still resting on the bed, smiled back, “Getting discharged is nice, but I’m even happier about going to your place.” 

Indeed, considering work, follow-up visits, and other factors, it wasn’t the best choice to go back to Huashi to recuperate. So, as luck would have it, the new son-in-law got to visit the Lu family home openly. 

Lu Jiu smiled, “Not nervous anymore?” 

Wei Shian showed off the simple ring on his hand, “I’m here legitimately, so there’s nothing to be nervous about.” 

This guy… 

Lu Jiu was at a loss for words. She packed the clean dishes, cups, and utensils into a bag, checked the cabinet to make sure nothing was left behind, then sat down on the chair.  

Wei Shian twirled the ring on his finger, “Why are you sitting so far from me?” 

Lu Jiu glared at him, “Auntie will be back soon!” 

“I wasn’t planning to do anything,” he replied innocently. 

“Who believes that?” Ever since she had that ring on her finger, this guy had become even more brazen. Although he kept things appropriate in front of others, when they were alone, there was no shortage of hugs and kisses. 

“I really wasn’t planning anything. I just wanted to discuss the engagement banquet date with you.” He pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket. 

“When did you pick this out?” Lu Jiu was intrigued and sat closer. 

Wei Shian took advantage of the moment, wrapping an arm around her waist before handing over the paper with satisfaction. 

Seeing that he wasn’t up to anything else, Lu Jiu relaxed in his embrace and looked at the paper. 

The entire paper had only one date on it. 

May 1st. 

Lu Jiu’s mouth twitched, and she looked up in exasperation, “How am I supposed to choose when there’s only one date?” 

Wei Shian held back a smile, “My mom and your mom picked out three dates. I just think this one is the best. What do you think?” 

“Because it’s the closest, right?!” It was already April 23rd. 

“Yep.” Wei Shian didn’t hide his intentions. 

“What other dates did my mom and Auntie pick?” 

Wei Shian hesitated to say more, lowering his head and gently rubbing her ring, “Do you really want to know? Isn’t May 1st good enough?” 

“I should at least have a choice.” 

“The other options were May 18th and June 8th.” Although he wanted the earliest possible date, Wei Shian knew Lu Jiu’s preference was most important, so he was ready to compromise. 

Lu Jiu was leaning towards May 18th, figuring that Wei Shian’s leg should be fully healed by then. 

But with him, a man who’s usually so strong and tough, now looking at her so eagerly, she couldn’t bring herself to say no. 

In the end, soft-hearted Lu Jiu gave in again, “Alright, May 1st it is.” 

Wei Shianimmediately tightened his arm around her waist and quickly kissed the top of her head, “Thank you, fiancée.” 

Lu Jiu blushed, placing her hand on top of his around her waist. Their rings touched, “There’s nothing to thank me for.” 

“Actually, I think May 18th is pretty good too,” Wei Shian said lightly. 

Lu Jiu didn’t mind which day it was, “Are you thinking of having the engagement banquet on May 18th?” 

“What are you talking about?” Wei Shian tapped her cute nose, “May 18th could be the day we take our wedding photos.” 

Lu Jiu?