Page 134

"Ai," Uncle Zhong sighed after finishing his tale. As a parent himself, he could certainly empathize with the feelings of those who had lost their children.

With the case settled, everyone switched off the lights and prepared to leave for the day.

After cracking the human skin case, Team D hadn't had the chance to properly celebrate. They all agreed to find a spot to unwind later.

Shi Boren zipped up his denim jacket and shrugged. "How about we hit Joy Karaoke and have some fun singing? It's been a while since we last sang."

This suggestion met with unanimous approval from the team.

As they descended the stairs, they noticed a female officer approaching. She carried a bag of takeout meals and gazed at them with a coquettish expression on her delicate face.

"Detective Zhou," she called out, her voice sweet and sugary.

Zhou Fengxu retrieved the keys to his SUV and nodded in greeting.

Just as the policewoman was about to approach, Shi Boren shivered and playfully stepped forward. "Ah Jiao, delivering meals for us?"

The policewoman glanced at Shi Boren and then at Zhou Fengxu in the background. Seeing that he had already climbed into the off-road vehicle, she slumped, her plump lips pouting in disappointment.

"Why does Inspector Zhou always ignore people?"

Despite her frustration, the policewoman held up the two bags of takeout meals. "Please have them."

"Sigh, it's normal for him, he's a straightforward steel man. Don't bother with him," Shi Boren said, feeling a headache at the sight of the food bags. He gently pushed them back to her, smiling politely.

"We've already eaten. Why don't you take them to your other colleagues?"

The policewoman worked in the logistics department and had been delivering meals to Team D since last week. Zhou Fengxu's lack of interest was clear, so naturally, no one from Team D dared to accept such favors.

Initially, Zhou Fengxu had tried to politely decline in a subtle way, but the policewoman seemed oblivious. Eventually, Zhou Fengxu had no choice but to pretend ignorance.

Shi Boren sighed silently.

There were so many eligible bachelors in the world; why did she have a crush on this unresponsive block of wood?

He was quite a catch – handsome and responsible. Why couldn't anyone see his heroic qualities?

The policewoman was relentless. "Send it again tomorrow. Just don't eat so early tomorrow."

What? !

They had to send it again?

Shi Boren was on the verge of tears. Brother Xu always managed to avoid these situations, leaving Shi Boren to deal with the aftermath.

"A... Ah Jiao, there's plenty of grass in every corner of the world..."

The policewoman held onto her lunch box, a tinge of sadness in her voice. "Inspector Zhou, truly not even a hint of interest?"

To spare the policewoman further heartache, Shi Boren nodded sincerely.

The policewoman hung her head in disappointment. "What kind of girl would Inspector Zhou like?"

Shi Boren had no idea.

Suddenly,

His gaze brightened instantly as he caught sight of a graceful figure stepping out from under the streetlight.

The girl's skin appeared porcelain-white under the lamplight. Her slightly curly long hair cascaded down, complemented by a floral dress topped with a leather jacket. Simply passing by, she drew considerable attention, her captivating appearance likened to a nuclear weapon in terms of allure.

"Others might not know, but Brother Xu seems to have quite a bit of patience for her," someone observed.

Perhaps even Zhou Fengxu himself was unaware of this fact.

Shi Boren hastily waved, "Ning Ning!"

Chu Yuening had just picked Chu Yi up from home and, hearing someone call out, initially paid little attention. Looking up, she saw Shi Boren rushing over.

"Hmm?" Chu Yuening blinked, a hint of confusion in her eyes. "Inspector Shi?"

Before anyone could react, Shi Boren had already pulled Chu Yuening and Chu Yi into the SUV.

Lowering the window, he waved at the female officer, "Ah Jiao, we'll go first. Enjoy your meal with your colleagues."

The policewoman, holding her lunchbox, sighed helplessly. "Have fun then."

The policewoman waited until the car was out of sight before heading back to the station, where she ran into a colleague from her team.

Seeing her holding the lunchbox, the colleague was curious. "Huh, isn't this for Inspector Zhou?"

"Wow, such a delicious meal, and he didn't even take it?" another colleague chimed in, joining them.

The policewoman looked disheartened. "Maybe he already has something even better?"

"Don't overthink it," said the colleague, taking the lunchbox and lifting the lid to inhale the aroma, a look of satisfaction on their face. "Smells amazing. Don't worry, someone will appreciate your style. Want to share? We wouldn't want to waste such a visually and aromatically appealing meal."

The policewoman's mood lifted, and two dimples appeared on her cheeks. "Sure, why not!"

As the car disappeared into the distance, the atmosphere lightened.

"Ning Ning, go ahead, have some fun to relax."

Shi Boren clasped his hands together, repeatedly pleading.

"Sorry, I really can't go," Chu Yuening replied with a gentle smile, unaffected by his persuasion.

Despite Shi Boren's enthusiasm about karaoke and his mention of Chu Yuening's involvement in the human skin case, Chu Yi still had school to attend, and it wouldn't be ideal for her to stay up too late.

"Sigh," Shi Boren sighed. "I was really looking forward to hearing a beautiful voice in full swing."

"There will be other chances," Chu Yuening smiled reassuringly.

The Hummer drove smoothly into the compound, and its lights extinguished upon reaching the destination. Zhou Fengxu stepped out and opened the door. "Sorry, I'll make sure he knows his boundaries next time."

"No worries at all," Chu Yuening glanced at Shi Boren, who was peeking through the car window. She turned back with a smile. "I didn't take it to heart."

Seeing that Chu Yuening wasn't upset, the man, with his shirt sleeves rolled up, raised an eyebrow in surprise. He then waved, "Goodbye."

"Goodbye," Chu Yuening waved back. However, before she could lower her hand, Chu Yi pulled her inside their apartment.

Chu Yi let out a soft squeal. "Ah, ah, ah, Officer Zhou is so dashing! Does Elder Sister feel a little... fluttered?"

Chu Yuening blinked in response to the question.

"What do you mean by 'fluttered'?"

Having lived two lifetimes, her heart was truly as still as a calm lake, undisturbed by any ripples.

In another part of the scene.

Amidst the darkness of night and howling winds, the bamboo grove swayed, producing a rustling sound as the leaves danced. The moonlight shimmered on the lake's surface, creating a glistening reflection.