Chapter 63: This Is Called Heartbeat, Got It?

Chapter 63: This Is What a Crush Feels Like, Understood?

Guan Yingjun felt the lingering warmth from the handkerchief and caught the clean, crisp scent embedded in the cotton fabric.

He went completely still.

Wind and rain beat against the car roof and windows, mixing with the sound of his heartbeat into a chaotic roar.

A sudden gust of wind blew down the signboard of a milk tea shop not far away, and the metal plaque crashed to the ground with a loud bang.

Guan Yingjun jerked back to the present.

He reached out and grabbed Jian Ruochen’s hand.

The man’s fingertips were damp and slightly cool, but his palm was scorching, as if a fire were burning within.

It made Jian Ruochen catch his breath.

“Why are your hands so cold?” Guan Yingjun took the cotton handkerchief from him, his voice husky. “Let me warm them for you.”

With one hand, Guan Yingjun quickly wiped his face with the handkerchief, then moved upward to dry the water from his hair.

With the other hand, he held Jian Ruochen’s hand tightly.

Warmth continuously flowed from his palm to Jian Ruochen’s entire body. Jian Ruochen tried to tug his hand away slightly but found it gripped even tighter.

Guan Yingjun’s palm was calloused, with calluses at the base of his fingers and scattered scars across it.

After drying his face and hair, Guan Yingjun pulled Jian Ruochen’s hand gently closer. “The other one.”

Jian Ruochen said, “It’s fine. I’ll just warm them with the heater.”

Guan Yingjun’s breath paused. He reached out and grabbed Jian Ruochen’s other hand, then lowered his gaze and cradled it in his hands.

It felt even hotter, so hot that Jian Ruochen’s heart skipped.

Inside the dim, narrow car, the temperature kept rising.

Guan Yingjun held Jian Ruochen’s hands tightly and chafed them gently.

Calloused but careful. Jian Ruochen lowered his gaze to Guan Yingjun’s fingers.

Guan Yingjun had rather nice hands—well-shaped, long, and slightly stocky, but harmonious overall due to their size.

The veins on the back of his hands bulged when he exerted force, extending downward and disappearing under his sleeves. These were clearly the hands of a police officer, marked with gun calluses and light brown scars.

One scar, deep and straight, was near the muscle of his thumb in the meat of his thumb. Judging by its angle and mark, it was likely from gripping a sharp blade.

Undercover work was a dangerous line of work, not easy to handle.

Jian Ruochen moved his fingers slightly, tracing that scar. “You just wanted an excuse to hold my hand.”

“Mm.” Guan Yingjun nodded, not bothering to hide it. “I wanted to warm you.”

From the first second he fell for Jian Ruochen, he knew he wouldn’t have many secrets left.

In front of a microexpression psychology consultant, it all depended on whether the consultant would play dumb.

Guan Yingjun gently drew Jian Ruochen closer. “Done.”

He looked down and said softly, “That night, you asked me if I had feelings for you. I didn’t answer, but you could tell, right?”

Jian Ruochen’s hands were warm, and so was his face.

His mind was racing, unsure why the man before him was bringing this up again.

He could’ve just pretended not to know.

Guan Yingjun looked into his shining eyes, released one hand, and touched Jian Ruochen’s face.

Half his palm rested against Jian Ruochen’s cheek, while his middle finger brushed against his ear and neck.

Guan Yingjun tilted his head slightly, his breath edging closer.

Their breaths intertwined for a moment before parting.

Sweat pricked at Jian Ruochen’s back as he thought strangely, Did Guan Yingjun just… mean to kiss me?

Guan Yingjun lowered his head, resting his forehead on Jian Ruochen’s shoulder. “I freed one hand. You could have pushed me away or even slapped me.”

But he didn’t.

Guan Yingjun greedily drank in Jian Ruochen’s scent and let out a low chuckle.

That night, when Jian Ruochen sat on his lap to test him, it wasn’t because he was indifferent.

The person he liked wasn’t heartless or unfeeling—just too inexperienced.

He understood all the theories but only knew how to apply them in theory.

In reality, Jian Ruochen didn’t really know what liking or loving felt like. He needed someone to teach him.

Guan Yingjun was drunk on the scent at the tip of his nose, his breathing coming faster.

His warm breath tickled.

Jian Ruochen’s neck grew hot, and his ears began to burn. He flinched back.

Guan Yingjun released him first.

Jian Ruochen froze, then felt a burning sensation at his waist as Guan Yingjun slipped an arm around him.

The man lowered his gaze and leaned in again, his nose brushing against Jian Ruochen’s smaller one. His voice, barely a whisper, floated down as he said, “That day, you asked me if it was you I liked.”

Back then, he thought Jian Ruochen was calling him out, so he didn’t know how to respond. But now it was different.

Guan Yingjun said softly, “Yes, I like you.”

The words fell by his ear, leaving Jian Ruochen’s mind blank.

He hadn’t actually wanted to break this unspoken thing.

After all, he and Guan Yingjun were colleagues, with a professional hierarchy. Crossing that line might affect their work.

Guan Yingjun lifted a tentative hand, fingers trailing up from Jian Ruochen’s lower back to his shoulder blade.

Jian Ruochen shivered at the touch.

“Guan Yingjun… you…”

Guan Yingjun grabbed Jian Ruochen's fingers and kissed them gently, "I know you don't like me right now."

The words rang false.

Jian Ruochen looked at his expression and instinctively said, "When you speak, your brow lifts slightly, and one side of your jaw quirks up, showing you don’t agree with your own words. You..."

The words "lying" stuck in his throat.

Wait, if Detective Guan was lying, then wouldn’t that mean...

Guan Yingjun made a quiet 'mm' sound, and continued Jian Ruochen’s thought, "I lied."

"I know you have some affection for me right now."

Jian Ruochen couldn’t figure out how Guan Yingjun could say such intimate words with that impassive face of his.

When they first met, this person’s greetings were as cold and formal as taking witness testimony.

Jian Ruochen instinctively wanted to deny it.

But before he could open his mouth, Guan Yingjun’s fingers moved from his shoulder blade up to the side of his neck.

Beneath his fingertips was the carotid pulse.

Guan Yingjun rasped, "I don’t know how to read microexpressions to detect lies, but your heartbeat doesn’t deceive."

The rain gradually stopped, and the sound hitting the car roof grew softer.

Jian Ruochen felt his heartbeat was nearly loud enough to drown out the rain.

Guan Yingjun withdrew his hand and stated firmly, "About 123."

He looked down at Jian Ruochen’s fluttering eyelashes. "This is called being attracted to someone, understand?"

Jian Ruochen abruptly pulled away, almost pinning himself against the car door.

He wanted to refute but didn’t know how.

What could he say?

Evidence didn't lie.

This time, it wasn’t about curiosity or some unanswered question.

The rain in Hong Kong often came in bursts—heavy but short-lived. By March or April, the *plum rain season* would set in, but by late January, it was already warming up.

Once the rain stopped, the sun came out, making the rainwater gleam on the puddles on the road.

It was as beautiful as a mirage.

Guan Yingjun straightened up, speaking each word carefully, "I like you, I’m pursuing you, and I’ll make sure it doesn’t affect your work. I won’t let my feelings become a burden to you, and I won’t let our colleagues think you’ve gotten special privileges because a Senior Inspector has a crush on you."

"Like I said before, do what you want, spend what you want—I've got your back."

Guan Yingjun turned his head. "I have the ability to back you up."

Jian Ruochen’s ears suddenly grew hot and tingly.

He turned and pressed one side of his face against the cool window.

Back at the police university, there were plenty of students confessing to each other. After all, there were many excellent female officers in China’s police force.

Restless young men would impulsively drag someone to the center of the sports field to confess, with a bouquet of flowers, rented drones, and some LED candles and balloons.

It was childish and passionate, completely ignoring the social pressure such gestures would put on those girls.

Guan Yingjun seemed different—mature and restrained, not like the crush of a young boy.

Jian Ruochen murmured, "Mm..."

Seeing Jian Ruochen like he'd short-circuited, and not fastening his seatbelt, Guan Yingjun leaned over and helped him buckle up. "If you don’t want to be with me, just tell me directly one day."

A strategic withdrawal, then.

It was often used in interrogation rooms.

Who knew someone could apply it so skillfully in a confession?

Jian Ruochen glanced sideways at Guan Yingjun.

Was this person treating him like some "Mekong Undercover Mission" to complete?

The rain outside had stopped, but their clothes were still damp, making them clammy and uncomfortable.

Guan Yingjun drove back to Li Jin International Garden and turned on the car radio.

Neither of them brought up what had just happened.

The radio program was talking about the Jiang family, apparently featuring Jiang Hanyu as a guest.

A male host with fluent Cantonese asked, "Mr. Jiang Hanyu, when you see the electronic technology company you sold reaching new heights under Mr. Jian Ruochen’s stewardship, do you feel uncomfortable?"

Now that was a sharp question!

Jian Ruochen raised an eyebrow and glanced at the small screen displaying the station display. "What station is this?"

"Qiming Business Radio. Gu Youming’s holding," Guan Yingjun said.

Gu Youming—the tycoon Jian Ruochen had pushed out of the top spot on Hong Kong’s rich list.

Jian Ruochen sat up a little straighter.

Content from non-state-owned radio stations often reflected their owner’s stance.

It seemed Gu Youming was staking his position by going after Jiang Hanyu?

On the radio.

Jiang Hanyu chuckled lightly, "I don’t feel uncomfortable. This electronic technology company requires substantial capital investment, which I couldn’t sustain. It’s better handed over to someone more capable. Mr. Jian Ruochen is quite resourceful and an excellent choice."

He could only maintain his smile for the microphone, his hands clenched tightly under the desk, nails digging into his palms.

The media loved making controversial comparisons. He had to endure it—now wasn’t the time to make a scene.

Right now, neither Lu Qian nor he had the leverage to confront Jian Ruochen.

The host continued, "Regarding Mr. Jiang Mingshan’s execution, I offer my sincerest condolences. Mr. Jiang Hanyu, can you ensure fair, transparent and open management after taking over?"

Jiang Hanyu said softly, "My background is in the arts, and I don't know the first thing about finance, so the businesses left behind are managed by my fiancé. I trust him."

Jian Ruochen rested his chin in his hand, listening to the obviously fake voice, a slight smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "No wonder Jiang Hanyu went on a talk show for an interview after Jiang Mingshan was executed—he's trying to distance himself from the questionable operations."

"He wants to cut ties but can't let go of the profits, which is why he's going about it like this," Guan Yingjun said grimly. "The trust between Jiang Hanyu and Lu Qian has reached a breaking point."

Jian Ruochen gave a noncommittal hum.

Guan Yingjun continued, "I never imagined you could undermine their trust with just a few words and actions. We never thought to target this area before."

Jian Ruochen replied, "They weren't exactly soulmates to begin with."

Inside the radio broadcast, the male host said, "I see, no wonder these companies are still thriving even after making back tax payments."

Jian Ruochen: ...He scoffed quietly.

Wasn't this a backhanded remark, implying that if Jiang Hanyu took charge himself, the businesses would surely fail?

The host added, "It seems you and Mr. Lu are deeply in love. When can we expect to hear wedding plans? What are your requirements for the wedding?"

Jiang Hanyu said shyly, "I might need to undergo surgery soon. I hope to recover fully before getting married. A girl has agreed to donate bone marrow to me, and I want to stand beside Mr. Lu in the best and healthiest condition."

Jian Ruochen squinted.

Jiang Hanyu found a match?

Impossible, he thought. The book said only he and Jiang Hanyu were compatible in all Hong Kong. Where did this girl come from?

The host clearly had inside information: "I heard that after you uploaded your data to Hong Kong International Hospital, no matches were found among all the donors in Hong Kong. Given how rare your data is, is this girl a foreigner?"

"No, she's from the mainland. I’m truly grateful to her," Jiang Hanyu said softly. "I wanted her to join me on this show for an interview, but she flat-out refused, saying she hopes to return to the mainland as soon as possible after the surgery."

Jian Ruochen looked down.

Something felt off. Whether on the mainland or in Hong Kong, after a successful bone marrow match, neither party should be able to access each other's information, let alone meet.

Hong Kong still follows UK law, but British law emphasizes privacy and human rights—at least on the surface...

The UK wouldn’t allow matched donors and recipients to meet either.

There were holes in his story.

The host said with realization, "Oh! I recall that after a successful match, the two parties aren’t allowed to meet... How did you..."

"Mr. Lu arranged this. She’s a friend of his who came specifically to help..."

As Jiang Hanyu continued speaking, Jian Ruochen felt a chill went down his spine.

This was too suspicious.

The story was a mix of truth and lies, making it highly suspicious.

Jian Ruochen turned to Guan Yingjun and asked, "Is this live?"

"No, private companies are on spring break. This interview was probably recorded before the holiday started," Guan Yingjun replied, noticing Jian Ruochen’s concerned look. "What’s wrong?"

"I suspect the bone marrow donor for Jiang Hanyu wasn’t a willing donor."

But so much time had passed—Jiang Hanyu’s surgery was likely already completed...

Jian Ruochen took out his phone and dialed the number of the STN news director, which Luo Binwen had input into his contacts. "Hello?"

A woman’s voice answered, "Mr. Jian."

Jian Ruochen spoke quickly, rattling off questions: "Ms. Chen, hello. I wanted to ask if you have any information about Jiang Hanyu? Has he recently had surgery? Is he hospitalized? When exactly was the surgery performed?"

"Jiang Hanyu... Mr. Jiang, is that right?" The woman’s voice was professional and detached, highly efficient. "Our information indicates Mr. Jiang completed a bone marrow transplant three days ago and is currently recuperating at Hong Kong International Hospital. Would you like us to conduct an interview?"

Ms. Chen paused. "I don’t think interviewing him would be particularly valuable."

"We need it," Jian Ruochen said softly. "Please help me ask about the donor’s location. If they refuse to disclose it, ask about her appearance, personality, clothing, preferences—the more details, the better."

Ms. Chen immediately picked up on the concern. "You suspect they’ve broken the law..."

This veered into blood and organ trafficking.

A big case!

Jian Ruochen advised, "It’s not certain yet. Just ask, but keep your questions subtle. After compiling the report, give it to Luo Binwen. I’ll review it and let you know if it can be aired."

"Understood."

Jian Ruochen hung up and sank back into the passenger seat headrest.

Trafficking bone marrow, blood, and organs—this was exactly the kind of thing the original novel’s Lu Qian would do.

He hoped the girl was safe.

If something had happened to her, unless they could find her remains and confirm her identity, the case would likely be dropped.

In police work, the worst scenarios were those where the person was neither found alive nor dead.

"Don’t worry too much. Take care of yourself first," Guan Yingjun said. "Go home and take a hot shower. After spring break, you’ll get your approved firearm. After the meeting, we’ll sweep Tian Quan Apartments clean."

He parked the car at the entrance of the hilltop villa and turned to look at Jian Ruochen. "I know you might want to do a lot, but things must be handled step by step. The Police Headquarters has spent over a decade trying to bring down the Lu and Jiang families. You’re only nineteen—don’t put too much pressure on yourself."

"Jiang Hanyu’s bone marrow transplant happened three days ago. Don't get stuck on what's already happened. Let’s focus on what we can do now." Guan Yingjun leaned in, reaching out.

Jian Ruochen watched him approach, holding his breath, then heard a soft click.

The seatbelt was unbuckled.

His tense shoulders relaxed slightly. Detective Guan had incredible restraint—multiple times he'd seemed to want to kiss him but held back.

Guan Yingjun smiled faintly. "Go on, rest well. I won’t come to make you go running during spring break. We’ll talk after work resumes."

He did want to kiss Jian Ruochen, but Jian Ruochen was only just developing feelings, like a curious little animal peeking out from the snow in winter. Moving too fast would surely frighten him off.

Things had to be done step by step.

And people could be wooed gradually.

***

Police officers got less spring break than university students.

While Hong Kong University hadn't started yet, the Kowloon Region Police Station was already back to work.

The long-awaited notice for the joint meeting was finally issued.

On the first day back to work after the Spring Festival, the hall of the Major Crimes Unit at Police Headquarters was filled with several teams.

Led by Guan Yingjun and Chen Jincai, there was the Major Crimes Unit.

Led by Ji Bailou, there was the Criminal Intelligence Bureau.

Led by Liu Qishang, there was the Independent Commission Against Corruption.

And led by Gong Yingjie, there was the Organized Crime Investigation Division.

Four groups gathered together, totaling nearly 100 people.

As the person in charge, Lin Yazhi was the madam in full command of this meeting.

For a while, the meeting room was filled with murmured conversations and catching up.

As the only outsider, Jian Ruochen inevitably became the subject of discussion.

“Is that the Criminal Psychological Consultant for the Major Crimes Unit? So young?” someone said, glancing at the agenda. “Huh. The Major Crimes Unit has him speaking and presenting recent investigative clues? Can he do it?”

“Not sure. Usually, the one presenting the clues is the lead contributor… This year, it’s not Detective Guan?”

“Madam Lin made the decision.”

Everyone turned to Liu Qishang, who has been pursuing Madam Lin and probably knew some inside information.

Liu Qishang, recalling his own past doubts about Jian Ruochen and seeing these curious looks, felt as if he were seeing his former self.

A mischievous thought popped into his head.

Why should he be the only one impressed by Jian Ruochen?

He wanted to see everyone else’s shocked expressions.

It would definitely be interesting.

Liu Qishang gave a weird chuckle. “What are you looking at me for? I don’t know what Sir Jian is capable of either.”

After all, no one knew he knows Jian Ruochen, so he could say whatever he wanted.

He sighed, “Who knows what this Sir Jian has actually contributed?”

Everyone exchanged glances, tapping their documents they had been handed. “If the Major Crimes Unit came up with 10 key leads, and Jian Ruochen can be responsible for 5 of them, then I’ll give him credit.”

“Otherwise… he might as well just be treated as invisible during missions.”