Chapter 24

Another beautiful day. 

Early in the morning, Lu Jiu stood in front of the mirror, admiring herself. After grabbing her cotton candy, humming a tune, and walking down the spiral staircase with a light step, she was met with an ominous look from the nanny coming from the kitchen with breakfast. 

Lu Jiu’s scalp tingled, and her steps became less buoyant. Standing on the stairs, she peered into the living room. 

“What are you sneaking around for?” Fang Wenyi Wenyu’s voice, suppressed with irritation, came from the living room. 

Lu Jiu shrank her neck. Though she didn’t understand what was wrong with her mother, she obediently walked toward the living room. 

When she saw the handsome young man with a cold expression sitting on the sofa, she immediately understood why her mother was angry. She wrinkled her nose in dissatisfaction: “Brother Fengming, didn’t you promise me you wouldn’t tell anyone?” Not only did he tell, but he also came to report it early in the morning. 

Han Fengming put down his coffee cup and said leisurely, “I only promised not to tell Uncle and Junjun.” 

Implying that Lady Fang Wenyi didn’t count. 

Lu Jiu was ready to retort, feeling that it wasn’t necessary for him to come back early in the morning to report. 

But her mother didn’t give her a chance. Fang Wenyi , with a stern face, patted the seat beside her: “Stop being childish with your brother and come over.” 

Heaven knows, when Fengming told her about the robbery involving Peony this morning, she was so scared she nearly fainted. 

And this stubborn girl, not only had a good night’s sleep but was also singing, with such great courage. 

Unable to resist, Lu Jiu could only sit down beside her mother, drooping her head. 

“What are you doing?” Fang Wenyi Wenyu was about to scold her daring daughter when a soft bundle was stuffed into her arms. She could only hurriedly hold the little white fluff tightly. 

Lu Jiu cleared her throat: “Mother, I’ve paid my debt through the cotton candy. Feel free to scold me.” 

“Cough cough cough,” Han Fengming choked on his coffee. 

Fang Wenyi , holding the “meowing” white fluff, glared at her daughter, though her tone softened considerably: “You really don’t care about your own dignity.” 

Indeed, no one can escape the charm of her family’s cotton candy. Lu Jiu felt smug and quickly took the opportunity to hold her mother’s arm, skillfully starting to act coquettishly: “Oh, Mom, I really am fine. And about Wei Shian’s, don’t be angry.” 

“Go away, don’t cling to me. You’re not a kid anymore.” With the “granddaughter” in her arms and her own daughter hanging on her shoulder, Fang Wenyi Wenyu couldn’t resist and soon started smiling. 

Seeing this, Lu Jiu gave Fengming a smug look. 

Han Fengming shook his head with a smile, thinking that the little girl was still naive. It was easy to pacify his aunt, but dealing with Junjun wouldn’t be so simple. 

— 

Lu Jiu arrived at the store an hour later than expected. 

Fang Jingjing had already been playing cards on the computer for a while. 

Seeing her friend, she quickly put down the mouse, circled around her, and seeing her rosy complexion, finally relaxed. She even had the mood to tease her: “Coming so late, did Auntie scold you a lot?” 

Lu Jiu, with a thick skin, retorted: “How could that be? My mom was so concerned, comforting me in various ways.” 

Fang Jingjing rolled her eyes: “Let’s see if I believe you.” 

Lu Jiu snorted: “Believe it or not.” 

The two good friends bantered back and forth for a while with no real substance. 

At this moment, Zhao Lanlan and Xiaoyu, noticing something was off, also came over with concern. 

Lu Jiu briefly explained what happened last night and reminded them to be cautious when going out and to avoid carrying bags if possible. 

“You planning to buy how many cups of milk tea?” When they arrived at the milk tea shop and saw the long line in front, Fang Wenyi Jingjing remembered to ask. 

Lu Jiu: “I asked Wei Shian. He initially didn’t want me to buy any, saying he would treat everyone. I thought it wasn’t quite right, so I discussed buying 20 cups so they could share. Wei Shian’s team has 10 people in total.” 

“You’re right. He’s him, and you’re you. You two aren’t married, and milk tea isn’t expensive. It shouldn’t be too difficult for everyone.” 

“I think so too. Also, I brought some pastries made by the aunt at home. They’re delicious and should be a thoughtful gesture,” Lu Jiu said, lifting the paper bag she was holding. 

Fang Jingjing rubbed her friend’s cheek: “Oh my, time flies. Our Peony actually understands social etiquette now. My sisterly heart, oh. But wait, you and Officer Wei are dating now. Why is it still Wei Shian calling people?” 

“He’s only a month older than me. How can he be considered a sister?” Lu Jiu pushed away her friend’s hand and shyly mumbled: “What should I call him if not his full name?” 

“Even a minute older is a sister.” After the habitual retort, Fang Wenyi Jingjing was disappointed: “What a waste, sis. If I had a partner, I’d definitely use terms like dear, darling, baby, and if necessary, just call him An-An.” 

“Are you serious or just teasing me?” Lu Jiu shot her friend a look. She couldn’t imagine calling someone as manly as Officer Wei by such endearing names. Just thinking about it made her want to laugh. 

Moreover, that man is full of schemes. Such a gentle name doesn’t suit him at all. 

Fang Jingjing, with a serious expression, replied: “How could I be joking? Although I’ve never been in a relationship, I’ve seen many examples—TV dramas, novels, university roommates—how can it not be like this?” 

The line moved quickly, and Lu Jiu followed her endlessly talking friend, taking a few steps forward, and said: “We grew up together, how could I not know what you’re like? You’re just all talk. Let’s see if you dare to do the same when you’re in a relationship.” 

“What would I not dare to do?” 

“Hehe.” 

— 

At 10:30 in the morning. 

Wei Shian received a text from his girlfriend. 

His eyes warmed, and he turned to his colleagues in the office, saying: “My girlfriend bought milk tea for everyone. She’s at the service desk. Who wants to come out with me to get it?” 

“I will!” Luo Wei, who reacted the fastest, stood up immediately after putting down the materials he was working on. 

After answering, he realized: “Huh? The milk tea is from our sister-in-law? I thought it was from you.” 

Guessing it was related to last night’s incident, Wei Ping happily said: “That was our duty. Little Lu is too polite.” 

“She said thank you for helping last night.” After saying this, Wei Shian had already picked up his phone and was heading outside. 

Seeing this, Luo Wei quickly followed with a few steps after fixing his disheveled hair. 

Both men were tall, and with their long legs and quick pace, they soon arrived at the service desk. 

“Peony.” It’s real; she really isn’t afraid, and had a good night’s sleep. She looked so fragile, but appearances can be deceiving. 

There were many people at the service desk, and Lu Jiu felt a bit embarrassed under everyone’s gazes, wanting to leave quickly. She pointed to the milk tea on the counter: “You can continue working. I need to go back. Distribute the milk tea and pastries to everyone and thank them for me.” 

“Leaving now?” 

“Yes, I almost forgot. This is my childhood friend, Fang Wenyi Jingjing. We grew up together. I mentioned her to you before.” 

Only then did Wei Shian look at the girl beside his girlfriend and nodded politely: “Hello.” 

Fang  Jingjing withdrew her furtive gaze and also greeted politely: “Hello.” 

This was Fang Jingjing’s first time meeting the handsome boyfriend her childhood friend spoke of. 

He had an excellent build, narrow waist, broad shoulders, tall height, and long legs. 

His skin was somewhat dark, and his gaze was fierce when looking at people. 

How to say it? He was handsome, but quite different from what she expected. 

Especially the word “good-looking” which, in Fang Wenyi Jingjing’s view, was used to describe beautiful men like Han Fengming. 

Who would have thought that her childhood friend liked a manly, tough type. 

Moreover, their physiques were quite different. Future… heh heh heh. 

Wei Shian didn’t know the various wild thoughts in Fang Jingjing’s mind. After a polite greeting, he turned to his girlfriend: “I have something to tell you.” 

Lu Jiu looked up: “What is it?” 

Wei Shian glanced at the door: “Shall we talk outside?” 

“Okay.” Lu Jiu turned to her friend: “Jingjing, wait for me.” 

This was Fang  Jingjing’s first visit to the police station, and she was curious. She pointed to a nearby bench: “Go ahead, I’m not in a hurry. I’ll wait for you there.” 

Wei Shian looked at his team: “Luo Wei, help me entertain her.” 

“Got it.” 

After watching the young couple leave, Luo Wei grabbed a disposable cup and went to the water dispenser to get some water. 

He planned to ask his boss’s friend in detail about how the boss managed to win over such a beautiful girl. 

However, when he came over with a cup of warm water and saw the girl’s face clearly, he was completely stunned. 

Then, both he and Fang Jingjing, who was equally shocked, exclaimed in unison: 

“Aren’t you that unlucky person?” 

Fang Jingjing. 

Luo Wei 

— 

Outside the City Bureau’s Gate 

Just as they reached a sheltered corner, Wei Shian opened his hand towards his girlfriend.  

It was an invitation to hold hands, but it also left him room to be refused. 

Lu Jiu felt nervous again and instinctively looked up at him.  

However, when she saw her own reflection in his deep black eyes, she relaxed.  

She lifted her hand and placed it in the man’s large, warm palm.  

Wei Shian tightened his grip instantly. 

Unlike yesterday’s distraction, this time he used all his senses to experience the softness.  

It was delicate and almost as if it could break with the slightest pressure. 

Lu Jiu noticed that the palm of her hand was starting to sweat and her cheeks were gradually warming up. She wanted to pull her hand away but couldn’t. Instead, she awkwardly fixed her gaze on the man’s chest and asked softly, “Wh-what do you want to say?” 

Wei Shian, somewhat fascinated, squeezed the softness of her palm, experiencing firsthand what it meant to be soft as if boneless. He swallowed, his voice still hoarse, “I plan to treat my colleagues to dinner soon. You should come along too.” 

Lu Jiu blinked and quickly realized that this was similar to when roommates in college invited friends out for dinner when they were dating. 

Understanding this, she agreed straightforwardly, “Sure, let me know the time.” 

Wei Shian had long noticed that while his girlfriend had a delicate appearance, her personality was very well-behaved. 

Seeing that he wasn’t saying anything, Lu Jiu asked, “Can I go now?” 

Wei Shian, somewhat reluctant to let her leave, said, “Let me tell you about the follow-up on the robbery case from yesterday.” 

Naturally, Lu Jiu became immediately curious. 

So, the naive Lu Jiu was genuinely led along by her boyfriend for over ten minutes. 

On the way back to the store, Lu Jiu, who had just realized her boyfriend’s intentions, felt both amused and exasperated. 

However, before she could complain to her friend, Jingjing was already talking non-stop: 

“This is so coincidental. Do you remember a few months ago, I told you that my colleague Zhu Qian tricked me into a blind date? Oh my gosh, it was that police officer named Luo Wei. The world is so small.” 

Lu Jiu was also surprised, “It was Officer Luo?” 

Jingjing: “Yes, I didn’t expect that either.” 

“Did he recognize you?” 

“He did.” Jingjing’s face darkened as she said, “He actually called me a ‘bad luck egg’!!!” 

Lu Jiu burst into laughter, “Didn’t you call him that in private too?” 

Jingjing was momentarily stunned and then stubbornly said, “But I didn’t say it wrong.” 

Given their long-standing friendship, Lu Jiu gave her friend some face and casually said, “You’re right.” 

Jingjing was satisfied and soon took pleasure in the misfortune, “Zhu Qian dumped Luo Wei to climb up the social ladder, and recently she got dumped by a higher-up. She’s been mourning ever since.” 

“Not surprising.” 

“Right? I like it when bad things come back to bite people.” 

Wei Shian scheduled the dinner for three nights later. 

The restaurant chosen was Lu Jiu’s favorite Sichuan restaurant. 

Although they had met before, today was the official introduction. 

So, Lu Jiu dressed up specially. 

She styled her hair, shaped her eyebrows, and added a touch of lip color. 

She wore a pink winter qipao and a white fur shawl. 

Her outfit wasn’t overly elaborate, and her makeup was quite simple. 

Unfortunately, she was so naturally beautiful that even a little bit of makeup made her already exquisite face look like it was sculpted from jade. 

While waiting for her boyfriend at the restaurant, she indeed caught the attention of many people. 

Even Zhao Lanlan and Xiao Yuanzi, who were used to the boss’s beauty, were unusually focused on her. 

Of course, as her boyfriend, Wei Shian couldn’t resist his girlfriend’s charm either. 

He stared at her intently, his eyes dark and intense. 

For the first time, Lu Jiu saw such intense emotion in her boyfriend’s eyes. 

It was so intense it seemed as if he wanted to devour her. 

She didn’t dare to look too closely, clutching her small bag and stuttering, “Aren’t we going?” 

Wei Shian swallowed and said, “Let’s go. Give me your bag.” 

Lu Jiu walked over to him and handed him the pink bag. 

Seeing him accept it naturally, she let out a subtle sigh of relief. 

But before she could fully relax, her left hand was pulled into his warm, broad palm. 

Then, Lu Jiu was led outside by her boyfriend, his attitude as if it were completely natural and right.