Lin Hening never expected to wake up and find himself going viral.
A candid shot from that night had made its way online, sparking heated discussions among netizens and even trending on local hot searches—for a few minutes, at least.
It all started when a popular influencer live-streamed their New Year’s Eve celebration by the sea. By pure coincidence, they captured Lin Hening and Gu Fei in the background.
Fans instantly flooded the chat with excited comments, their barrage of “AHHHHHHHH, HOT GUYS!!!” taking over the entire screen.
The streamer, initially flattered—Wow, in ten years of streaming, I’ve never been complimented this much!—soon realized the praise wasn’t for him.
Then came another wave of comments:
“AHHHHHH SO MANLY!!!!”
Within minutes, his viewer count skyrocketed from a measly few hundred to over ten thousand.
Thrilled, he decided to play along—tossing his bangs back with a flirtatious smirk, striking a dashing pose, flashing his most seductive smile…
Only to be immediately shut down by a wealthy viewer dropping a virtual warship in the chat, with a blunt message attached:
[MOVE ASIDE. YOU’RE BLOCKING THE VIEW. I WANT TO SEE THE TWO GUYS IN THE BACK!!!]
…???
The streamer turned around, bewildered—
And froze.
The live audience, who had been following the entire broadcast, took one look—and also froze.
No filters. No camera tricks. No stunt doubles.
Just Gu Fei, effortlessly holding Lin Hening aloft for a full thirty minutes, his expression calm and steady, as if it was nothing at all.
Not breaking a sweat. Not even out of breath.
Holy. Shit.
[Damn, that strength! He could probably carry the little guy one-handed while going up and down the stairs doing… you know. Huff, huff! And oh my god, look at that perky little butt—so round and full, even through the suit pants!]
[Seeing them in person was unreal. Their looks? Unmatched. The contrast in their physiques? Perfect. The atmosphere? Absolutely electric!]
[I was there too! Here’s an unedited pic—just look at their faces. They outshine the entire entertainment industry.]
[These two have to be a couple, right? Right???]
[I mean, come on—Zhang Fei wouldn’t be lifting Guan Yu’s butt while watching fireworks.]
—
“Pfft—”
Lin Hening nearly choked on his breakfast milk.
These netizens… they were too much. He couldn’t even come up with a strong enough rebuttal.
The top post had already racked up tens of thousands of likes, shares, and comments, even getting picked up by local Yunzhou media. But since he wasn’t exactly a public figure, the hype only lasted for a few hours before dying down.
Yet while the buzz faded from public platforms, it was still going strong in private circles—especially in the chat of Jian Xiaoxi, who had just finished a brutal night shift, responding to over twenty emergency calls and even being temporarily assigned as a human barricade to prevent a stampede during the New Year’s celebration.
Exhausted in both body and mind, he had planned to crash immediately after work—
But the moment he saw the trending topic, he was wide awake.
“HOLY SHIT—I take my eyes off you guys for one second, and you’ve already reached this level?! Hugging his neck, wrapping your arms around his waist—and grabbing his ass?!”
“These netizens have sharp eyes.”
“The people have spoken. The evidence is irrefutable.”
Lin Hening tuned out Jian Xiaoxi’s rambling, treating her voice like white noise as he focused on whipping cream with an electric mixer.
Jian Xiaoxi: “What the hell are you doing? Why’s it buzzing so loud?”
Lin Hening chuckled. “Dismembering a corpse with a chainsaw.”
“Oh-ho, Lin Prosecutor, are you turning yourself in?” Jian Xiaoxi immediately switched to her serious interrogation tone—the same one she used in the interrogation room. “Confess, and you’ll get leniency. Resist, and the consequences will be severe! Speak now and strive for a lighter sentence!”
“Eyewitnesses: the entire population of Yunzhou, plus countless online netizens. Physical evidence: a quick search online, and BAM, it’s everywhere—high-definition, lossless video. And you still refuse to confess?!”
Lin Hening laughed. “I swear, I’m innocent.”
“Still playing dumb?!”
After messing around for a bit, Jian Xiaoxi finally got a little more serious.
“Hening… you’re not still traumatized from your first relationship, are you?”
Damn you.
Lin Hening rolled his eyes. “You just pulled an all-nighter and you’re still not tired? Go to sleep.”
But Jian Xiaoxi wasn’t giving up. She patiently listed Gu Fei’s qualities:
“Reliable and steady—not like someone who’s all talk and no substance. Faithful and devoted—not wishy-washy. Hardworking and down-to-earth. We’ve been friends for so long—you think I don’t know you? Compared to someone who’s clingy, moody, and immature, Gu Fei is so much better for you. He’s like the man behind a successful man, solving all your worries, keeping a warm home waiting for you—an ideal househusband, you get me?”
Lin Hening was speechless. “…”
He had to admit, Jian Xiaoxi wasn’t wrong—though she completely trashed a certain someone in the process.
“The only downside is… well, let’s be real. Gu Fei’s background is kinda lacking. He and you aren’t exactly a perfect match in terms of social standing.”
Lin Hening froze for a second.
It wasn’t like he was blind—of course he saw how good Gu Fei was. And he wasn’t emotionally dense either. If he claimed to have zero feelings for Gu Fei, that would be a lie.
Up until now, his feelings had only been those of friendship. But if there was ever a moment that made him feel something more…
It was that night.
The moment Gu Fei lifted him up.
Emotions were unpredictable. Someone you usually felt indifferent toward could, in a single moment, suddenly make your heart skip a beat.
Even Gu Fei’s rugged, masculine features—something Lin Hening never considered his type—somehow looked soft and even… adorably dumb.
Lin Hening never cared about things like social class or being “a good match.”
He had no superiority complex from being born into privilege. His respectable career didn’t make him feel above others. If he liked someone, it didn’t matter where they came from or what degree they had.
But what did matter… was whether the other person cared.
He had already dealt with a partner who was insecure, insecure, insecure. Who, at the end of their relationship, accused him of years of suppression, of making him feel like he was living in someone else’s shadow.
Lin Hening did not want to go through that again.
After a long silence, Jian Xiaoxi changed the subject. “Want me to dig into his dating history for you?”
Lin Hening’s voice instantly turned cold. “Don’t even think about it. That’s his personal business.”
“Oh-ho, look at you, getting all protective. Fine, fine, I’ll leave it alone. You guys just go with the flow then.”
After hanging up, Lin Hening finally had some peace.
He looked down—
…Damn it.
The whipped cream was ruined. Overbeaten into a clumpy mess.
Just as he was about to Google a fix, his phone rang.
An unknown number.
Given his job, Lin Hening never ignored unfamiliar calls, so he answered—
Only to hear an unexpected voice.
Xia… no, Xia Zhile.
After returning Lin Hening’s belongings last time, Xia Zhile’s number had been promptly blocked.
He must have borrowed a coworker’s phone.
“I found more of your stuff. Since I’m passing by your place, I’ll drop it off.”
Xia Zhile wasn’t stupid. If he had started with “Happy New Year” or “Why’d you block me?”, Lin Hening would have immediately hung up and blocked this number too.
Straight to the point. Smart move.
Lin Hening wanted to say just throw it away, but he knew Xia Zhile wouldn’t.
The thought of his things sitting in Xia Zhile’s place made him uncomfortable. He’d rather get them back himself.
They agreed to meet at a nearby café.
Xia Zhile arrived first.
Lin Hening didn’t waste any time.
“What is it?”
Xia Zhile took a keychain out of his pocket and placed it on the table.
Lin Hening stared at it for a long moment before finally remembering where it came from—it was a giveaway from a supermarket raffle after spending over a thousand yuan.
“…” He had so many things to say but didn’t know where to start.
Lin Hening picked it up, ready to leave.
“Hening,” Xia Zhile called out urgently. Lin Hening turned back impatiently. Xia Zhile clenched his fists and asked, “Are you with Gu Fei now?”
Lin Hening’s face remained expressionless. “And what does that have to do with you?”
Xia Zhile’s expression darkened. “If you’re together, then just admit it. Why are you hiding it?”
Lin Hening chuckled. “Whether I’m sneaking around for the thrill of it or openly flaunting it for fun, none of that concerns you, Dr. Xia, does it?”
Xia Zhile shot up from his seat. “Of course it concerns me! I’m your ex-boyfriend!”
…Huh?
Xia Zhile continued, “I have a responsibility—a duty—to look after you!”
Huhhh???
“Lin Hening, how could you—” Xia Zhile’s expression was full of anguish. “How could you let yourself fall so low?”
What. The. Hell???
Xia Zhile’s eyes turned red as he clenched his teeth in frustration. “I know it’s my fault, I wronged you. But I never thought you’d be so affected by it, that you’d…”
Excuse me?!
Lin Hening was completely dumbfounded—utterly, thoroughly, unprecedentedly dumbfounded.
Xia Zhile, shaking with anger, practically shouted, “Even if you broke up with me, you should at least find someone who’s on my level! He doesn’t have to make a lot of money, but at the very least, he should have a respectable job. And if his job isn’t impressive, then at least his family should be wealthy! But a broke cook running a small restaurant? Driving a greasy second-hand van? How could you degrade yourself like this?!”
“???” Lin Hening was utterly speechless.
So this was why Xia Zhile had asked him out first thing in the morning? Not to return a keychain, but to lecture him about how he deserved better?
Good lord. His ex-boyfriend was really out here, all torn up on his behalf, filled with righteous indignation, trashing Gu Fei from head to toe while making himself look like some flawless, ten-out-of-ten ideal partner.
Ah, what a dazzling image—the successful man in his sleek suit and polished shoes, sipping on kopi luwak in a fancy office!
Ah, what a noble and esteemed figure—the highly respected, widely admired cardiothoracic surgeon!
Ah, what a role model for the village—the pride of his hometown, the epitome of social success!
For crying out loud. It was the first day of the new year, and he had to run into this bad omen.
Lin Hening sighed. “Xia Zhile, are you okay?”
Xia Zhile practically jumped with frustration. “Are you doing this to degrade yourself, or are you doing it to spite me? Are you trying to disgust me on purpose?”
SLAP.
The slap that hadn’t landed back when he caught Xia Zhile kissing that little homewrecker finally struck true, right across his face.
Xia Zhile froze.
Lin Hening hadn’t held back. His palm was stinging from the force.
“Xia Zhile, you seriously make me sick.”
Xia Zhile’s handsome face turned red and swollen. His breath hitched, as if his nose had gotten stuffed up, and his eyes shimmered with unshed tears.
Lin Hening couldn’t stand the sight of it.
What was that saying? Love makes people blind? Had he just been looking at Xia Zhile through too many filters before?
Now that the filters were off, the beauty mode was gone, and he was finally seeing clearly. That whole “biting his lip in grievance” look? Immature and fake. That wide-eyed, supposedly “adorable” expression? Overdone and nauseating. It was like taking a perfectly good cup of milk tea, then dumping in three scoops of sugar, five dollops of honey, seven spoonfuls of cream cheese, and finally, half a bottle of chocolate syrup. One sip might be sweet, two would be cloying, and by the third, you’d be puking it all back up. Even with an insulin shot, you’d be headed straight for heaven!
He just couldn’t stomach it. He absolutely could not stomach it. Best to leave it to An Nian to savor every last drop.
He used to hate that little homewrecker, but now he felt like lighting incense and giving thanks. Bless An Nian, that little guardian angel, for swooping in and stealing away the trash. Bless him for rescuing Lin Hening’s future happiness. Bless the heavens, the earth, and An Nian, the divine savior!
Xia Zhile held back his tears and stared at Lin Hening in disbelief. “You hit me? You actually hit me for Gu Fei?”
Oh my god, someone save him.
Just when Lin Hening thought he’d reached his limit, the disgust dial turned up to eleven. It was like dunking stale fried dough into an oil vat for three straight days, letting it soak up every last drop of grease, and then taking a bite—pure, concentrated oiliness.
Lin Hening wanted to call An Nian for backup.
As if heaven had answered his prayers, a “guardian angel” arrived right on cue.
“Xia Zhile, what are you doing here? Weren’t you supposed to go see Mr. Wang for a house call?” An Nian walked into the café, looking suspicious. When he saw Lin Hening, his face immediately darkened. “Why are you here too? What were you talking about with my boyfriend? You two have already broken up, yet you’re still sneaking around to meet? Xia Zhile is my boyfriend now!”
Yes, yes, absolutely yes! Please, take him home already!
Lin Hening turned on his heel and left. Just before stepping out of the café, he tossed the keychain into the trash.
He felt so disgusted he wouldn’t be able to eat for three days.
As he walked home, his phone vibrated. It was a message from Gu Fei.
[Fresh carp just arrived today. Really fresh.]
[Image]
Lin Hening opened the picture—three lively, shimmering-scaled fish. He could already imagine how they would turn into an unforgettable, soul-stirring dish under Gu Fei’s expert hands.
Suddenly, he wasn’t disgusted anymore. In fact, his appetite surged.
It was like a sip of black coffee after eating a heavy cream cake, an ice-cold soda after a fiery hotpot, or a crisp, refreshing cucumber after devouring two pounds of braised pork.
Cleansing. Absolutely cleansing.
Lin Hening replied that he’d be over for lunch.
By lunchtime, he drove to Xinghua Restaurant. Gu Fei was outside talking to a beer supplier, who was unloading cases—two at a time, one in each hand.
Gu Fei helped as well, lifting boxes effortlessly. One, two, three… seven, eight cases stacked nearly two meters high, and he carried them with ease.
If not for the risk of the stack toppling over, he probably could’ve unloaded half the truck in one go.
After a few trips back and forth, the restaurant’s beer stock was fully replenished. Gu Fei, wearing just a thin sweater, wasn’t even out of breath. As he signed the receipt, he glanced at the numbers and said, “The total is wrong. You undercharged by twenty-eight.”
The supplier double-checked, smacked his forehead, and grinned. “You’re right! Thanks, bro!”
As Gu Fei spoke, wisps of white breath curled in the winter air.
—Unlike a certain someone who was all smooth talk and fickle moods, who loved pouting, throwing tantrums, and acting childish.
Lin Hening recalled how Jian Xiaoxi had once summed things up bluntly. Then, looking at Gu Fei now—
Mature, steady, silent yet reliable. Honest, sincere, emotionally stable. Sporting eight-pack abs, skilled both in the kitchen and around the house, a man who truly knew how to live a practical life.
The contrast couldn’t have been starker. The comparison was instant and brutal.
Lin Hening called out, “Gu Fei.”
Gu Fei glanced over and smiled. “Perfect timing—the fish is just about done.”
As Gu Fei went to bring out the food, Lin Hening noticed a stack of beer invoices on the table. The handwriting was neat, but with so many different items, the accounts looked pretty messy.
If he remembered correctly, Gu Fei had only looked at it for three or four seconds before catching the mistake.
Was his math that good? Hidden talents, huh.
When Gu Fei came back carrying the fish, Lin Hening placed a square-shaped item on the table.
Gu Fei eyed it curiously. “What’s this?”
Lin Hening lifted the lid. A cake.
It was square, topped with neatly arranged fresh strawberries, and on the side, written in strawberry jam, were the words “Happy New Year.”
The design was simple, elegant, and unpretentious.
Lin Hening grinned. “The first strawberry cake of the new year. Saw it as a meme online.”
For a split second, Gu Fei’s eyes flashed with surprise. “You made this?”
Lin Hening smirked. “How’d you know?”
Gu Fei pointed at the sides. “The frosting’s lumpier than the surface of the moon. If you bought this from a bakery, I’d seriously suggest asking for a refund—because this was definitely made by a trainee on their first day, whose boss was too lazy to do it themselves.”
Lin Hening: “…”
Wow. Not holding back at all, huh.
But instead of being offended, Lin Hening just laughed. It was true, after all. Plus, it was his first attempt—ugly was expected. He wasn’t about to let this dent his confidence.
Picking up a plastic cake knife, he declared, “This is my first-ever, completely independent creation—outside of scrambled eggs and instant noodles.”
Damn, I’m amazing!
For my first time baking, I tackled one of the easiest ways to fail—and still pulled it off. I’m seriously talented!
Gu Fei’s gaze deepened. “Your first attempt?”
“Yeah.”
Fatty and Zhou Zhou happened to come out just then, and Lin Hening waved them over.
Fatty exaggeratedly exclaimed, “Damn, Prosecutor Lin, you’re so talented! This looks delicious! Did you make it especially for our boss?”
Gu Fei’s heart skipped a beat. He shot a glare at Fatty, only to hear Lin Hening nod and say, “Yeah. It’s all about that New Year’s ritual. Though I forgot to ask if you even like cake.”
Gu Fei was stunned.
Fatty slapped him on the back, laughing and egging him on. “Our boss eats everything—sweet, sour, bitter, spicy, salty, meat, veggies, you name it. Last year for his birthday, he ate a whole blueberry cake straight out of the bowl! Boss, you better eat plenty and not waste Prosecutor Lin’s kindness!”
Gu Fei choked on air from the impact.
Fatty continued, “Prosecutor Lin, if you ever have extra food, just send it here. Our boss will devour anything—treat him like a walking trash compactor.”
Gu Fei elbowed Fatty in the ribs. “…Get lost.”
Fatty, though easily overpowered, had the advantage of ample padding, perfectly shielding him from the attack. He grinned cheekily and urged them to cut the cake.
Once the cake was sliced, Fatty suddenly declared he was on a diet and didn’t take any, even dragging away Zhou Zhou, who had been eagerly waiting for a piece.
Fatty’s offhand remark suddenly made Lin Hening realize something.
He had given Gu Fei caviar before, as well as a huge snack gift box—things he considered trivial, casually gifting them to friends. It was the same with Jian Xiaoxi; anything good he had or didn’t personally like, he would share with Jian Xiaoxi rather than let it go to waste.
So he never thought much about it.
But Gu Fei wasn’t Jian Xiaoxi. The gap between their social standings was a massive chasm. Did Gu Fei ever see his actions as condescending? As a flaunt of wealth? As charity?
That box of caviar alone was worth more than Gu Fei’s monthly income. The snack box was full of imported brands Gu Fei wouldn’t even have access to.
This was exactly why people always said relationships should be “well-matched.” It wasn’t just about romantic partners—friendships needed to be balanced, too.
“Something wrong? Doesn’t taste good?” Gu Fei asked when he noticed Lin Hening had been holding a piece of fish for a while without eating it.
Lin Hening snapped out of his thoughts and asked, “That caviar I gave you—did you eat it?”
Gu Fei nodded. “Yeah. It was good.”
Lin Hening finally took a bite of his fish, then said seriously, “Gu Fei, when I give you things, there’s no hidden meaning. If anything ever makes you uncomfortable, just tell me.”
At work, Lin Hening was meticulous to the extreme, ensuring absolute fairness and justice to prevent any wrongful cases. But in his personal life, he preferred simplicity. No mind games. No scheming.
No guessing between lovers. No pretense between friends. If there was an issue, just talk about it. If they weren’t compatible, cut ties. If they got along, keep going. That was it.
Gu Fei looked at him, and Lin Hening looked back.
For a fleeting moment, he thought he saw something like… heartache in Gu Fei’s eyes.
Huh?
Lin Hening was puzzled.
Gu Fei set down his plastic fork and said, “I never thought of it that way. You treat me as a friend—you wouldn’t even give these things to Jian Xiaoxi, but you thought of giving them to me first. Why would I ever overthink it? It’s not about being ungrateful—it would be an insult to your character.”
Whoa, no need to make it that serious.
Years of interrogating suspects told Lin Hening that Gu Fei was telling the truth. But facing Gu Fei’s deep, dark eyes, he suddenly felt a bit guilty. “Sorry, I was overthinking it.”
Call it being detail-oriented if you want to be polite, but in reality, it was just overanalyzing.
Xia Zhile always said he was too sensitive, always thinking too much.
Gu Fei said, “It’s not you. It’s my fault—I didn’t make you feel secure.”
Lin Hening froze, unconsciously looking at him.
Gu Fei continued, “You don’t have to be so careful around me. Be yourself. Be a little careless, a little silly, even.”
Lin Hening couldn’t help but smile.
As they finished eating, another thought hit him—
Wait.
That sweet-and-sour carp… didn’t have any bones?
Gu Fei polished off the entire six-inch cake on his own and still ate a full dinner afterward.
The next morning, Zhou Zhou went to Xinghua Village to restock supplies. With the holiday rush over, the restaurant was quieter, and Gu Fei and Fatty could handle things on their own.
During a lull, Fatty was on his phone, video chatting with an online girlfriend. Gu Fei flipped through TV channels. All he found were either over-the-top war dramas or ridiculously cheesy urban romance soaps. Eventually, he settled on a reality game show as background noise.
Fatty’s phone was on speaker, and a sweet, coquettish voice came through.
“How did you know I like Pikachu? Were you secretly spying on me?”
Gu Fei suddenly recalled something Jian Xiaoxi had once said.
Setting the remote down, he picked up his phone, opened his browser, and typed in three characters—
Lin Hening.
The search results made Gu Fei unconsciously sit up straight.
[A Model of the New Era—Yunzhou’s Youngest Prosecutor: Lin Hening.]
[Tragedy Beyond Comprehension: A Family of Five Slaughtered on New Year’s Eve—No Survivors. The Nation Shaken by the Liu Family Massacre. Watch as Lin Hening Rises to Legendary Status, Defending Judicial Justice.]
[Real-Life Protagonist: Famed Prosecutor Lin Hening Revealed to Be the Only Son of Real Estate Tycoon Lin Youyu?!]
There were glowing praises from the Yunzhou Evening News, interviews with reporters, and even special features on television.
Gu Fei was momentarily overwhelmed, clicking through each article one by one.
He knew Lin Hening came from money—but not this much money.
Lin Corporation wasn’t some nouveau riche empire. It was a world-class Fortune 500 company with nearly two centuries of family history, built on real estate and steadily expanding. Though the company suffered severe losses during last year’s economic crisis, Chairman Lin managed to turn the tides and revive the corporation. Now, its ventures spanned new energy vehicles, finance, commercial entertainment, and more.
One interview stated that the former chairman, Lin Nian, had originally planned to bypass his own son, Lin Youyu, and directly pass the company’s leadership to his grandson, Lin Hening.
But Lin Hening had no interest in that path. Driven by a deep respect for the law and a passion for prosecution, he graduated from the nation’s top university and resolutely joined the Yunzhou Prosecutor’s Office.
Gu Fei scrolled down. The attached photos showed Lin Hening in casual sportswear, radiating youthful energy like a college student.
He then searched for the courtroom footage of the Liu family massacre trial from New Year’s Eve.
In the video, Lin Hening sat steadily at the prosecutor’s table, wearing his official uniform. The badge on his collar didn’t actually glow, yet it still shone with an undeniable presence, striking straight into the hearts of those who watched.
He was meticulous and sharp, battling wits with the defendant, who was full of lies.
He was calm and composed, skillfully matching the defense attorney’s eloquence and tricks.
Gu Fei had heard of this case before—it had shaken Yunzhou. The murderer had been extremely arrogant, refusing to admit anything no matter how he was questioned. When confronted with irrefutable forensic evidence, he had the audacity to feign insanity right there in the courtroom. His defense lawyer had even claimed he suffered from Dissociative Identity Disorder (split personality), arguing that since the crime had been committed by his “alter,” the main personality was innocent and thus couldn’t be sentenced to death.
The case had caused a national uproar, with public outrage soaring.
However, after thorough evaluations by a panel of experts, it was proven that the defendant had no dissociative disorder.
During the retrial, Lin Hening used his bold yet meticulous approach, skillfully provoking the murderer with precise words. Every sentence struck at his nerves until the defendant finally snapped—breaking down in tears and cursing in the courtroom, screaming that the victims deserved to die. He had been treated like a servant, forced to work like a dog, belittled every day. That fateful New Year’s Eve, an argument over cooking had been the final straw. Triggered by the sight of fresh blood on a knife he had just used to slaughter a chicken, he lost control and butchered his entire wife’s family.
The prosecution won. The murderer was sentenced to death. And Lin Hening became famous overnight.
Gu Fei rewound the footage.
Lin Hening: “The defendant brutally slaughtered five members of the Liu family. The crime was exceptionally heinous, the circumstances appalling, and he even attempted to feign mental illness to escape justice. The evidence is undeniable. I urge the court to convict the defendant of premeditated murder.”
The Lin Hening in the courtroom was nothing like his usual self.
The Lin Hening Gu Fei knew was easygoing and playful—always smiling, always teasing. He looked refined and reserved but was actually warm and friendly, with a bit of a mischievous streak. A little scatterbrained. Full of life.
But the Lin Hening in that prosecutor’s seat?
Steady. Composed. Exuding authority and confidence. Untouchable in his resolve. His usually bright, captivating phoenix eyes had transformed into razor-sharp blades—a sword that cut through lies, defending the law and leaving criminals nowhere to hide.
Gu Fei closed the video and instinctively checked Lin Hening’s social media.
There were only two recent posts.
The first: [XX Bakery, you betrayed me. Where’s the filling? Where is it??]
Attached was a picture of a disappointing pastry.
… The stark contrast between his online presence and his courtroom persona was almost comical.
Gu Fei couldn’t help but chuckle and zoom in, helping Lin Hening “search for the filling.”
The second post: [Goodbye, Dad. This morning, I set sail.]
The attached picture showed a highway.
Gu Fei zoomed in again. A road sign appeared in the frame: “Yunzhou International Airport – 15 km”
This post was from five hours ago.
“No wonder Prosecutor Lin didn’t come for breakfast this morning—he went on a business trip.”
Gu Fei nearly dropped his phone when Fatty’s voice suddenly sounded right next to his ear.
“The hell, weren’t you busy talking to that chick?” Gu Fei asked, startled.
“She’s not ‘that chick,’ okay? Her name is Mo Yin. Meng Dai Liuli. Xue’er.” Fatty corrected dramatically, then turned back to the screen. He smacked his lips in admiration. “Damn, Prosecutor Lin is insane. He looks badass in uniform—absolutely badass.”
Gu Fei turned to him in disbelief.
Fatty smirked. “I’ve been standing here since you started watching the trial, you lovesick idiot. You were so focused, you didn’t even notice.”
Gu Fei wanted to clap back, but the fact that he had been too absorbed made him hesitate—losing the perfect window to retort.
Fatty continued, “Snowy said that uniforms are the best cosmetic surgery. And damn, she’s right. You still got your old military uniform, right? Next time Prosecutor Lin comes for a meal, wear it.”
Gu Fei rolled his eyes. “Quit the shitty ideas.”
Fatty was persistent. “How is this a shitty idea? You should at least try to put some effort into your appearance. You’re acting like your good looks are enough to carry you.” He clicked his tongue. “Not gonna lie, that rich boy Xia may be a pretty boy, but he’s got the presentation down. Gotta give him credit where it’s due.”
“Every time we see him, he’s got a tailored suit, polished shoes, and that trendy-ass K-pop hairstyle. The guy looks like he’s ready to debut in some idol group. No wonder Prosecutor Lin likes him.”
Gu Fei’s face instantly darkened. His voice jumped a few decibels. “That greasy, powdered-up, weak-ass porcelain doll? What’s so good about him?”
Fatty blinked.
Oh. Oh-ho. He’s mad. He’s mad.
Feigning innocence, Fatty sighed dramatically. “Hey, don’t be so salty. Modern beauty standards favor fair, youthful, androgynous looks. The whole ‘delicate and unisex’ vibe. You? Bro, you’ve got zero market appeal.” He paused for effect, watching Gu Fei’s expression drop further. Then he finally broke into a grin, slapped Gu Fei’s shoulder, and said, “But hey, don’t lose hope! Remember that New Year’s Eve photo of you two? It went viral, right? People online kept saying you guys looked great together. Maybe Prosecutor Lin’s taste is changing, and he’s developed a thing for guys like you.”
Gu Fei snorted. “Me? Lacking? You really think those frail, delicate types are actually useful? They can’t even lift a case of beer, get blisters from carrying a few plates, and act all fragile and dainty—what kind of man is that? Honestly, you’re more useful than them. At least in the winter, hugging you would keep someone warm. If they’re tired, they could lean on you like a couch.”
Fatty proudly jiggled his 300 pounds of pure bulk. “Thanks, boss. I’ll keep working hard.”
Gu Fei told him to take that “hard work” to the kitchen—he was starving.
Fatty groaned. “See, this is what I mean! I’m helping you out here! Face it, Gu bro, you’re way out of Prosecutor Lin’s league. Your only redeeming quality is your face, and you’re not even making full use of it.”
Gu Fei thought, Damn, this guy has no filter.
Still, truth hurts, and he had to suck it up.
Gu Fei stood still for a moment, then walked over to the mirror. He had to admit—the Fatty might have a foul mouth, but he wasn’t wrong. His looks were definitely on par with Xia Zhile, if not better, but when it came to grooming and style, he was far behind.
For the past ten years, he had stuck with a buzz cut, a wardrobe full of black shirts and t-shirts, and plain sweatpants or jeans. Even Zhou Zhou once teased that his wardrobe looked like it belonged at a funeral—nothing but black and gray, not a single speck of color.
Part of it was his dislike for flashy colors. But the main reason? Dark clothes were stain-resistant and practical.
Ordinary working-class folks lived rough—either covered in cooking oil or sweat. They weren’t like those polished elites who always looked pristine, smelling of expensive cologne and imported coffee.
And what was all this about dressing up? Dressing up costs money. Clothes cost money. Face masks cost money. A simple haircut? That’s already four figures gone. Wouldn’t it be better to save that money and buy clothes, face masks, and trendy hairstyles for his future wife instead?
—All slick and stylish, ready to be in the spotlight. No wonder Prosecutor Lin likes him.
Gu Fei immediately searched online: Men’s winter fashion trends.
Lin Hening returned to Yunzhou and stopped by a restaurant near the airport with Xiaowei for a bowl of beef noodles. As they ate, they casually analyzed the Lotus Dismemberment Case, covering everything from the number of body parts to their characteristics—even down to which pieces had started rotting and which hadn’t.
The customer at the next table: “Urgh!”
Lin Hening, chewing on a piece of beef, felt mildly apologetic. Alright, alright, no more crime scene talk.
On the way back, Lin Hening scrolled through his social media. First, he posted a picture of his delicious beef noodles. Then, while casually browsing, he was suddenly hit by an overwhelming wave of emotional text.
An Nian: “Life is like a dream, and in my dream, there is you.”
Attached was a photo of Xia Zhile sleeping.
An Nian: “You are the light that shines on yourself and warms me too.”
Attached was a sunset photo of him and Xia Zhile together.
An Nian: “For the past 28 years, I’ve missed out on you, but for the rest of my life, you’ll have me. My dearest senior, happy birthday.”
Attached was a cheesecake photo, with their fingers intertwined.
…Oh, right. He was still friends with An Nian on WeChat!
Back then, he had only blocked and deleted Xia Zhile, completely forgetting about this little devil.
Lin Hening scrolled and scrolled—there was no end to it. Damn, how many posts had An Nian uploaded in one go? And every single one was about flaunting his love with Xia Zhile, making sure the entire world knew how sweet they were.
Lin Hening smirked and tapped on An Nian’s profile.
Blocked. Deleted.
Ahhh. His feed was finally clean again!
By the time Lin Hening arrived back in the city, it was just around dinnertime. He decided to stop by Xinghua Restaurant.
To his surprise, Gu Fei wasn’t there. Only the Fatty and two part-time workers were bustling around.
“Aiya, bad timing, bad timing! Old Gu and Zhou Zhou went to Xinghua Village for supplies. They’ll probably be back around seven or eight,” the Fatty said regretfully, looking like he was about to cast a summoning spell to teleport Gu Fei back instantly.
Glancing at the clock, he thought, Maybe if I stall a bit, I can get him to wait for Gu Fei.
So, he said, “If you don’t mind my cooking, I can make you a couple of dishes?”
Lin Hening immediately caught the oddity in that statement. “Aren’t you the chef?”
“Yeah.”
“Then haven’t I already eaten your cooking?” Why act like he was offering something new?
The Fatty froze. “Wait, you didn’t know?”
Know what? Lin Hening was confused.
Oh shit, oh shit, opportunity unlocked! The Fatty’s eyes lit up, and he grinned so wide his face wrinkled up.
“I’d love for you to try my cooking, but I’ve never had the chance! Every single time you come in, Gu snatches the ladle from me.”
“When other customers eat, I cook. But when you eat? Gu cooks.”
“When others order takeout, the delivery guy brings it. But when you order takeout? The boss himself delivers it.”
Lin Hening was stunned. “Then usually, he…”
The Fatty shrugged. “Usually, he just sits at the register, waiting to collect money.”
Lin Hening: “…”
“You hungry? Want some peanuts to tide you over?”
“Not gonna lie, the boss hasn’t personally cooked in years. He just bosses me around. And hey, I’m the chef, I get paid, so I should work—but you know how good his cooking is, right? Some people never get the chance to try it, and once you do, you’re hooked. Lucky for me, thanks to you, I still get to lick the pot after he makes your takeout. So please, Prosecutor Lin, keep coming! If you stop, I won’t even get to lick the leftover soup!” The Fatty spoke with grave seriousness, his face full of pitiful despair.
Lin Hening couldn’t tell whether the guy was joking or serious, but the chubby man’s exaggerated expressions were undeniably entertaining.
The conversation soon drifted to a different topic—about how the pork vendor was taking advantage of Zhou Zhou’s honesty, selling overpriced and underweight meat. Gu Fei had not only gone to the poultry shop for supplies but also had to stand up for Zhou Zhou, which explained why he was running late.
Lin Hening couldn’t help but comment, “Gu Fei really looks out for his brothers.”
Hearing this, the chubby man got excited, giving a firm thumbs-up. “Say what you will, but when it comes to loyalty, Old Gu is top-tier!”
That was no surprise. The man had already helped Zhou Zhou pay off a two-million-yuan debt—stepping in against a dishonest butcher was nothing in comparison.
Lin Hening had been curious about their relationship for a while, but since they weren’t close, he hadn’t wanted to pry. Now that the topic had naturally come up, he couldn’t resist asking, “How did they meet?”
The chubby man hesitated, thinking Lin Hening might not be interested, but seeing his genuine curiosity, he simply pulled up a chair and got comfortable.
“Zhou Zhou is the son of Gu Fei’s teacher.”
His expression turned solemn as he continued, “Gu Fei grew up poor. His dad was a good-for-nothing drunk and gambler—losing money outside, then coming home to beat his wife and kid. You ever wonder how Gu Fei got all that muscle? He trained himself to be strong enough to protect himself and his mother.”
Lin Hening felt a dull ache in his chest. He pictured Gu Fei’s physique—built like a fortress—and was momentarily lost in thought.
“When Gu Fei was in middle school, that deadbeat father of his racked up gambling debts and skipped town, taking all of his mother’s lifelong savings with him. Then the loan sharks came knocking. His mom had no money, they had to run, but they still had to eat… It was a nightmare.”
The chubby man sighed. “Forget about school—Gu Fei could barely afford to eat. So he started skipping class, sneaking off to a little restaurant to wait tables and earn money. That’s when his homeroom teacher found out.”
Lin Hening asked, “Zhou Zhou’s father?”
“Yeah, Mr. Zhou.” The chubby man exhaled deeply. “Thank god for him. He went to the restaurant over and over to drag Gu Fei back to class, tutored him after school, even took him in at his own home. He gave him lunch money but lied, saying it was a special scholarship for top students. He told Gu Fei that if he ranked in the top three of his grade, his tuition would be waived. Ha! The kid totally bought it, thought the school was running a charity. But guess what? Mr. Zhou was paying out of his own pocket. And in the end? Old Gu didn’t just make the top three—he ranked first in the entire city on his high school entrance exams.”
A realization dawned on Lin Hening, and an unconscious smile spread across his face.
“But then,” the chubby man sighed again, “Mr. Zhou was diagnosed with cancer. He passed away so suddenly. At the time, Gu Fei was serving in the military. By the time he heard the news, the funeral was already over. Mr. Zhou had no family—his wife had passed away long ago. All he left behind was Zhou Zhou. Poor kid was only… what, fifteen? Yeah, fifteen. I still remember him sobbing his heart out over video chat, saying his only dad was gone, and now he was all alone in the world.”
Lin Hening’s heart clenched.
“And you know what Gu Fei said? Just one sentence—‘Who says you have no family? From now on, I’m your brother.’”
Lin Hening’s heart pounded against his ribcage, almost painfully.
“…He was in the military?” he murmured.
No wonder the guy had that unshakable, battle-hardened aura.
The chubby man chuckled. “Yeah. After he retired, guess who showed up again? That deadbeat father. Guy just won’t die, huh? Last autumn, he had a stroke and ended up partially paralyzed. You’d think someone like that would just pass away and stop being a burden, but nope. Gu Fei didn’t want to deal with him, but his mother still cared. So, to make things easier on her, Gu Fei had to keep making trips between the city and the suburbs. And that’s how he met you.”
The sudden alignment of timelines caught Lin Hening off guard.
The chubby man grinned. “Honestly, that bastard of a father finally did something good for once—if he hadn’t had a stroke, Gu Fei wouldn’t have run into you.”
Lin Hening didn’t know whether to laugh or roll his eyes.
“Prosecutor Lin, I know that in terms of background, education, and social status, Old Gu is… well, let’s be honest, there’s a big gap between you two.” The chubby man raised both thumbs up. “But I’ll say this with my whole chest—when it comes to character, Gu Fei is second to none.”
“Hardworking, family-oriented, loyal, dependable. Having him around is better than carrying a Gatling gun. Gatling guns are heavy as hell, but Gu Fei? He walks on his own, and he’s ‘smart-targeting’—just point and shoot!”
“Pfft…” Lin Hening couldn’t hold back his laughter. The first time he met this guy, he knew he was a riot.
The chubby man turned serious. “He’s never been in a relationship, so yeah, he’s a bit dense, but I guarantee—when it comes to love, he’s more loyal than a damn golden retriever.”
Then, he lowered his voice dramatically. “Prosecutor Lin, Gu Fei might not have the same family background, education, or status as you. But I’ll say this without hesitation—he is absolutely worthy of you.”
A passing part-time worker looked stunned. Didn’t this guy just roast the boss yesterday, saying he was nowhere near worthy of Prosecutor Lin? I definitely heard that!
Lin Hening watched the chubby man’s fierce, protective stance—he looked like he was ready to fight to defend Gu Fei’s honor. A warmth spread through his chest, and he smiled slightly. “I’ve never looked down on him.”
The chubby man beamed. “Knew I had a good eye for people.”
Then, he leaned in conspiratorially and whispered, “Wanna know a secret?”
Lin Hening raised an eyebrow.
The chubby man smirked. “Old Gu is still a virgin.”
…?!
No way.
That huge guy had that little of a sex drive?
It was basic instinct to associate a man’s build with his… capabilities. A muscular guy should, logically, have a high drive. Someone like Gu Fei—broad shoulders, narrow waist, eight-pack abs—should be able to go at least seven rounds a night, right?
…Unless he was all bulk and no bite.
Gu Fei was in his early thirties—the golden age for men. Yet he had never been in a relationship.
Either he was truly celibate, emotionally clueless, and relied solely on his right hand… or—
A totally unnecessary image popped into Lin Hening’s head: a shirtless Gu Fei, tanned skin stretched over powerful muscles, long, strong legs… and between them, a sad, shriveled little enoki mushroom.
Holy crap, stop, stop, STOP!
“Lin Hening?”
Lin Hening’s mind was completely hijacked by the image of enoki mushrooms when Gu Fei’s voice suddenly struck like a thunderclap above his head.
Fatty was overjoyed. “Old Gu’s back!”
Gu Fei walked in from outside and casually asked, “What were you guys talking about?”
Lin Hening, still dazed, absentmindedly lifted his head. “We were talking about enoki mushrooms—ah, no, wait, that’s not it!”
Gu Fei raised an eyebrow. “You craving enoki mushrooms?”
“No.”
“There are some in the kitchen. Want them cold-dressed?”
“No, really, I don’t want any!” Lin Hening rejected him in a panic, but his eyes couldn’t help but drift downward—from Gu Fei’s broad chest to his sculpted abs, and then… lower.
Gu Fei frowned. “What are you looking at?”
“Nothing.” Lin Hening immediately turned his head, but he moved too fast—there was a sharp crack in his neck. Shit.
“What’s wrong?”
Lin Hening remained in his twisted posture. “Nothing.”
He couldn’t see him, but he could feel Gu Fei stepping closer.
A faint whiff of shampoo drifted over—orchid-scented. Not a single trace of that so-called ‘greasy kitchen smell’ Xia Zhile complained about.
Before he could fully process his thoughts, Gu Fei’s hand pressed down on his head while the other cupped his jaw.
Lin Hening panicked. “What are you doing?”
“I learned joint realignment,” Gu Fei replied, and before the words even fully landed, crack.
A shiver ran down Lin Hening’s spine. For a split second, his mind flashed to action movie scenes where special agents snapped necks in a swift, precise motion.
But damn—this actually felt good.
Lin Hening rolled his neck experimentally. “Thanks. You’re surprisingly skilled.”
Out of the corner of his eye, Gu Fei caught Fatty wearing an extremely mischievous grin. His stomach dropped.
“What did you tell him?” Gu Fei followed him into the kitchen, his tone carrying an underlying threat.
Fatty hummed a tune and said in the most irritating way possible, “Curious, huh? Why don’t you ask him yourself?”
Gu Fei barely resisted the urge to fire him on the spot. He grabbed a bowl of sea cucumber soup and walked out, lifting the door curtain—only to find Lin Hening standing right there, waiting.
With a devilish smirk, Lin Hening said, “So, I heard you’ve been single for almost thirty years and are still a proud, untainted virgin.”
Fatty nearly sent his spatula flying.
Gu Fei, however, remained completely unfazed. He held onto the sea cucumber soup without spilling a single drop.
Because all he could think about was dumping the whole damn bowl on Fatty’s head.
Before he could act on that urge, Lin Hening called his name. Gu Fei hesitated, holding back his murderous intentions to listen.
Lin Hening crossed his arms, his sharp, fox-like eyes gleaming with amusement. “I also heard… you like me?”
