Chapter 56

Lu Jiu’s already slightly pink cheeks turned an even deeper shade of red. 

 She instinctively looked around, making sure that the customers and staff were far away before she relaxed and said with concern, “I’m not going to run away. 

 You should go back and sleep. Once you’ve had enough rest, we can talk.” 

Wei Shian shook his head, guided her to sit on the sofa behind the cash register, and then picked up the blanket, draping it over her legs, which were only covered by socks. “I’m not tired. Are you busy right now?” 

Seeing his dry lips, Lu Jiu picked up her thermos and poured him a cup of peony tea. “Not busy.” 

Wei Shian was indeed a bit thirsty, so he drank two cups in a row. “I still owe you a movie. If you’re not busy, let’s go watch it.” 

“Now?” Lu Jiu was surprised that he still remembered, finding it incredible. For the first time, she rolled her eyes at him, uncharacteristically, and unhappily tried to shoo him away. “We can watch the movie later. You! Go back and get some sleep now.” 

This was the first time his girlfriend had been stern with him, though even her sternness was soft and gentle. Wei Shian found it particularly endearing. He took her soft little hand into his palm, squeezed it a few times with satisfaction, and then smiled as if sighing, “No rush. I just want to spend some time with you.” This was true—he had missed her so much over the past half-month that he couldn’t bear to leave. 

Due to his job, Officer Wei didn’t smile often, and even when he did, it was usually just a faint smile. 

But when he did smile, it had a uniquely masculine charm that Lu Jiu found hard to resist. Combined with a sweet remark, it was like a double dose of stimulation. 

And she missed him too. 

So, she found herself unable to say anything to send him away. 

After a moment, Lu Jiu suggested, “How about… you take a nap in the rest area here? You can use my sheets and blankets.” 

Wei Shian shook his head. “It’s not convenient… Don’t worry about me. I’ll sit for a bit and then head back to the station to catch up on sleep. But I noticed you have a hiring notice up. Is the shop short on staff?” 

“It’s not that…” After briefly explaining Xiao Yuanzi’s situation, Lu Jiu sighed in frustration. “Maybe I’m being too picky. It’s been a week, and I still haven’t found anyone suitable.” 

Wei Shian offered, “Do you want me to help you find someone?” 

Lu Jiu asked, “Do you have someone to recommend?” 

“Not someone I know personally, but how about we find a well-qualified, physically capable retired soldier? They would be good at their job and could also provide some peace of mind.” His little girlfriend was so beautiful that he was always worried she might attract the wrong kind of attention. 

This was a perspective Lu Jiu hadn’t considered before. She wasn’t naive and immediately understood the concern behind his suggestion. 

If they could find someone like that, she wouldn’t be opposed; it would also ease her mother’s worries. But she hesitated… “Would someone like that even want to work in my little flower shop?” 

Wei Shian reassured her, “My older brother is in the military; he’s a deputy regiment commander. He can help make the connection. Offering retired soldiers stable employment is a win-win, so you don’t need to feel burdened.” 

With things laid out like this, Lu Jiu naturally wouldn’t be ungrateful. “Then I’ll have to trouble your brother.” 

“He’s your brother too,” Wei Shian said, suddenly reaching out to gently pinch her rosy cheek, a satisfied look on his face. 

Lu Jiu felt like her cheek was burning where he pinched her. She raised her hand, flustered, and shooed him away in embarrassment. “You’d better go back. Once you’ve had a good sleep, we can go out and have fun.” 

“Alright.” Wei Shian agreed easily, but he still held on to her small hand, reluctant to let go. 

Despite how clingy her boyfriend was being, Lu Jiu didn’t find it bothersome at all; instead, she felt a sweet warmth inside. 

Seeing him this attached, she decided to be a bit clingy herself. “How about I walk you back to your dorm?” 

Wei Shian’s eyes lit up, and he momentarily lost his usual composure. “Sure.” 

— 

 Chapter 28 

Since she planned to return right after, Lu Jiu only brought her phone. 

Just before leaving, she placed a small pot of “Douban Ruyi” into a paper bag. 

Wei Shian had never known much about plants. It was only because his girlfriend liked peonies that he started to learn about them. 

But he couldn’t recognize the little potted plant she was carrying. 

After Lu Jiu packed it up, he took the bag from her. “What is this?” 

Lu Jiu told the staff to take down the hiring notice at the entrance, then took his hand and explained as they walked out. “It’s called ‘Douban Ruyi.’ It’s very easy to care for—just water it occasionally. You can put it on your desk at work.” 

In some ways, Wei Shian was like most men—he lived rough and had never taken care of plants. But because this was a gift from his girlfriend, it held special meaning. He found himself quite fond of the little green plant, even thinking it looked quite delicate and charming. 

The city police station was close to Lu’s Department Store. 

Holding hands, they crossed the street and walked for just a few more minutes before arriving. 

Outsiders weren’t allowed inside the police station, but they could linger in the dorm area for a few minutes. 

Standing in the room, Lu Jiu looked around curiously. 

Aside from the basic furniture, there were only two single beds in the room. 

It was more spacious and bright than she had imagined, and much cleaner too. 

Completely different from the messy boys’ dorms she had heard about. 

“Do you want some water?” Wei Shian was eager to spend more time with his girlfriend, but after bringing her back, he realized the room was sparse, with only a few packs of instant noodles and nothing to offer her. He felt a bit regretful, knowing that his peony girl liked snacks. 

Lu Jiu shook her head and pulled him back as he reached for the water. “No need. I’ll be heading back soon. Do you live here alone?” 

Wei Shian took her hand in his and said, “Luo Wei comes over occasionally.” 

“It’s nice here, convenient for work too,” she commented, noting how close the dorm was to his job. 

“It’s a bit noisy, though, so I don’t sleep well,” he admitted, with a rare hint of playfulness in his tone, surprising even himself. 

Lu Jiu immediately felt a pang of sympathy and looked up at him. “If it’s really bad, why not sleep at home?” 

Loving the way she cared about him, Wei Shian smiled and teased her, “No need. Commuting takes too much time. Just give me a hug, and that’ll be enough.” 

This man… Lu Jiu had felt a bit distant after not seeing him for half a month, but now that feeling had completely vanished.