Chapter 57
Task

Xie Yun lacked experience with kitchen work, leading to an unscientific arrangement of cooking sequences. As a result, some dishes were either too cold or too hot, and she even cut her hand, causing it to bleed.

Xie Qing’s work was clean and efficient, clearly demonstrating her extensive experience. Experienced as she was, she didn’t step into the kitchen until Xie Yun hurt her hand and needed help.

This highlighted the difference in their characters. However, her words seemed to fall on deaf ears; those who didn’t understand, didn’t understand, and those who did, pretended not to.

As for Xie Qing, she nonchalantly adjusted the position of a few dishes and said, “This time we’re inexperienced. Next time will be better. It’s like practicing dance—more practice makes perfect.”

Her tone was like that of a master chef giving advice to an apprentice.

Chai Yu looked at Xie Yun’s tightly bitten lip, suppressing a laugh.

Tan Yi stood up and took a bottle of red wine from the wine cabinet, “Though I’m hosting, I made everyone busy, and that’s my fault. To apologize, I’ll choose a good bottle of wine for everyone.”

“Alright, Old Tan, that’s righteous!” Chai Yu found a bottle opener on the bar, “1985 Lafite, eleven years old, just the right time. We’re in for a treat.”

1985 Lafite wasn’t as famous as the 1982 vintage, but even so, it wasn’t easy to come by.

Tan Yi casually brought it out.

Gu Ling and Xie Yun looked at Tan Yi with suspicion. They knew Tan Yi was from Beijing and had a good family background, but they didn’t realize it was this good.

Xie Chen, however, didn’t think much of it. To him, Tan Yi was just Xie Qing’s boss, nothing more.

In the minute of silence, Chai Yu opened the bottle, and Tan Yi brought out a decanter and wine glasses.

Chai Yu decanted the wine and sat down next to Xie Qing, “Let’s start eating to fill our stomachs. The wine will be better after it airs out.”

At his command, Gu Ling, Xie Chen, Tan Yi, and Xie Qing all reached for the Sichuan-style boiled fish.

Xie Yun had a moment to calm down, and her anger dissipated. She looked at Xie Qing’s bare face. She had always thought Xie Qing was a copycat—wearing what Xie Yun wore and doing what Xie Yun did. She never considered Xie Qing attractive. But suddenly, Xie Qing had changed, wearing a dancer’s bun and dressing casually with flair, standing out confidently in any crowd.

If Xie Yun was the delicate and classical type, Xie Qing was the bold and confident type, dazzling and radiant. She could confirm that Xie Qing was no longer the same—she didn’t seek favor, didn’t resign, didn’t return home, didn’t pursue Gu Ling, refused the Qin family’s marriage proposal, and didn’t even care about her anymore.

So…

Could it be that Xie Qing had lived longer before her rebirth?

She knew Tan Yi had a better background than Gu Ling, so she insisted on staying at the police bureau?

It’s not impossible, those three pieces of clothing were proof.

Xie Yun pondered this and took a bite of the Sichuan-style boiled fish. It was indeed excellent, full of spicy, numbing, and fresh flavors—a clear indication of experience. She thought for a moment and tentatively said, “The Sichuan-style boiled fish is well made. Grandma is good at cooking. Did you learn this from her, Qing Qing?”

The original character didn’t like to bring up her rural upbringing in front of others. She would divert the topic if it was even slightly touched upon.

Xie Qing remembered this but had no intention of playing the original character, so she earnestly recalled, “I learned this dish from the canteen chef, but Grandma taught the basics. You know, Grandpa hated being served, and I grew up with them, which was quite beneficial.”

She knew Xie Yun was probing.

After all, her changes were too significant, and Xie Yun, being someone who had been reborn, would naturally be curious.

Unfortunately for Xie Yun, no matter how much she guessed, she would never figure out that they were living in a book and that Xie Qing was a strange kind of book-transcender.

Xie Chen explained to the others, “Indeed, when our dad was starting his business, our mom couldn’t handle three kids, so Qing Qing was sent to our grandparents when she was very young and only returned in high school.”

Chai Yu picked up a piece of Sichuan-style boiled fish, “Qing Qing is a bit like Old Tan. Their elders were strict with them, unlike my dad, who spoiled my nephew rotten.”

He didn’t know why Xie Yun brought up Xie Qing’s childhood and wasn’t interested in her motives, so he simply changed the topic.

The sisters’ silent battle ended there. The red wine was ready, and everyone raised their glasses and started eating cheerfully.

After the meal, they all cleaned up the kitchen and played some cards—Xie Yun wasn’t good at it, Gu Ling didn’t like it, so Xie Chen and Xie Qing faced off against Tan Yi and Chai Yu.

At four in the afternoon, Xie Chen and Xie Qing won the last round, and everyone got up to leave.

After seeing the guests off, Tan Yi and Chai Yu returned to the living room.

Chai Yu lit a cigarette, “What did your family say about that land Xie Chen is interested in?”

Tan Yi poured him a glass of wine, “Not a big problem; it all depends on whether Xie Chen goes for it.”

Chai Yu said, “I asked my brother. He said he would come and take a look when the weather warms up.”

Tan Yi said, “Being cautious is good.”

Chai Yu extinguished the cigarette, “I think people are strange creatures. When you think someone is good, everything about them is good. But once you find an unacceptable flaw, everything about them becomes unpleasant.”

Tan Yi said, “You’re talking about Xie Yun?”

Chai Yu raised his glass and clinked it against Tan Yi’s, “If she wanted Qing Qing’s help, she could have asked her from the beginning. But she didn’t, probably to show off. Then, when she saw Qing Qing was more capable, she started being passive-aggressive and critical. It’s quite tiresome.”

Tan Yi smiled slightly, “She cut her hand because you guys were laughing too loudly in the living room.”

“Sigh…” Chai Yu sighed deeply, “Growing up is no fun. For a bit of property or benefit, brothers become estranged, and sisters fight. The Xie siblings are actually quite good—they work hard in their respective fields and maintain appearances.”

Tan Yi fully agreed.

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Back to work on the sixth day of the lunar month.

During her lunch break, Xie Qing went to Zuilong Bay with Xie Chen to check out the interior structure of the villa.

The two floors above ground were relatively large, each about 60 square meters, while the basement was smaller, over 30 square meters. The house layout was reasonable, requiring no major changes.

The duplex Xie Xun was interested in was also good, a spacious house of over 200 square meters. Although it lacked a small garden like the villas in Wolong Bay, it was safe enough.

Xie Qing paid the full amount and gave Xie Chen her renovation requirements, asking him to find a design company to handle it.

From the sixth to the fifteenth day of the lunar month, Anhai remained peaceful.

Xie Qing and Cao Haisheng handled a medical accident and two injury assessments caused by traffic accidents, making work relatively easy.

Xie Qing took the opportunity to finalize the renovation plan for her new home—primarily pastoral style with industrial elements.

On the fifteenth day, Xie Qing was not on duty and spent a quiet holiday at home.

Xie Yun and Chen Yuehua were happy to learn that Xie Qing had bought a house and would not be living with them in the future.

With Xie Qing not at home, Xie Yun didn’t have to worry about her rebirth secret being exposed, and Chen Yuehua no longer feared that Xie Qing’s hands, which handled corpses, would touch everything she did daily.

Everyone felt more at ease, and conflicts lessened.

On the morning of the sixteenth day, after finishing the office cleaning, Xie Qing was called over by Huang Zhengyi.

Lu Qiyuan and Tan Yi were also present.

Xie Qing was somewhat surprised and immediately sensed that something might be happening.

Huang Zhengyi looked a bit solemn and said, “Xiao Xie, please sit down. We have some matters to discuss with you.”

Lu Qiyuan added, “Before we begin, I want to emphasize that you can refuse, Xiao Xie, and no one will blame you for it.”

Xie Qing asked, “Is it an undercover mission?”

Huang Zhengyi slapped the table, “This kid is smart.”

Lu Qiyuan also smiled, “With Xiao Xie’s quick reaction and good skills, this mission should be secure.”

Xie Qing thought, not sure who sold me out, using a forensic doctor instead of a policewoman. She instinctively looked at Tan Yi.

Tan Yi was also looking at her and subtly shook his head.

Xie Qing wondered, what does shaking his head mean? Did he not recommend me or is he advising me to refuse?

Lu Qiyuan said, “This mission was originally for Li Ke, but considering Li Ke’s lack of experience, we’ve chosen you instead. Although you’re not a criminal police officer, you’re sharp and quick to react, making you more suitable than Li Ke.”

Though this might seem unfair to Li Ke, it was the truth.

Xie Qing remained noncommittal, waiting for further details.

Lu Qiyuan continued, “Here’s the situation. During the New Year, reports of missing persons increased across various regions, and all sub-bureaus have been working overtime. Two days ago, the Feng’an Sub-bureau discovered human traffickers operating near the train station. Upon analysis, we believe this is an organized gang. To rescue more hostages and dismantle the organization, we want to send an undercover agent.”

“But going undercover is risky. Even if we’re on standby 24/7, monitoring you, the danger remains. So, Xiao Xie, you can refuse.”

Huang Zhengyi added, “Yes, neither Lu Qiyuan nor I are the type to beat around the bush. We mean what we say. Xiao Xie, you needn’t worry.”

Xie Qing wasn’t someone who sought glory. She thought carefully and asked, “Who will be responsible for contacting me?”

Lu Qiyuan gestured towards Tan Yi, “Captain Tan will be in charge. He has extensive experience in this area, and you two are familiar with each other.”

Xie Qing said, “If the bureau has a thorough plan, I think I can give it a try.”

Lu Qiyuan was delighted, “Great, if you complete this mission, I’ll recommend you for commendation and arrange for your early promotion.”

The timing of the promotion didn’t matter; fighting crime was the sacred duty of a police officer.

Xie Qing stood up, “Thank you, Captain Lu. I guarantee the completion of the mission.”

Huang Zhengyi corrected her, “You don’t need to guarantee the mission’s completion, just ensure your safety.”

Tan Yi nodded.

Xie Qing smiled, “Yes, I will ensure my safety.”

“I’ll go report upstairs and then make a comprehensive plan around Xiao Xie.” Lu Qiyuan stood up, “Old Huang, come with me. Let’s talk to Director Yan together.”

“Alright.” Huang Zhengyi came around the desk and said to Tan Yi and Xie Qing, “You two can go back. I’ll find you later.”

The four of them left the office together and split into two groups at the staircase—one group went up, the other went down.

Tan Yi said, “It’s not me who told them you can fight.”

Then it must be Ren Yaguang. Actually, there was no need to blame anyone. Xie Qing often practiced boxing, and many people knew about it.

She said, “It doesn’t matter who, as long as it wasn’t you, Captain.”

Tan Yi smiled, “Yes, no one wants a blabbering boss. But if someone had to be sent, I agree it should be you.”

Xie Qing shrugged, “Thank you for your trust, Captain?”

Tan Yi nodded earnestly, “You’re welcome. It’s only right.”