Jian Xiaoxi had been on stakeout all night. When they finally wrapped up in the morning, he suggested treating everyone to breakfast. The whole squad, yawning and exhausted, headed to their go-to spot—Apricot Blossom Diner.
As soon as they stepped in, they started shouting out orders for steamed buns, millet porridge, tea eggs, and tofu pudding.
Jian Xiaoxi glanced around and did a double take when he spotted a familiar face. He blinked for a couple of seconds, then pointed at a waiter and said, “Zhou Zhou?”
Yeah. The hit-and-run driver.
Zhou Zhou, however, had some serious face blindness. Even after Jian Xiaoxi introduced himself, he still didn’t recognize him.
“Whatever, not important.” Jian Xiaoxi waved it off and looked around. “Where’s your boss?”
Zhou Zhou was about to say he was out picking up supplies, but then he looked up—there he was.
A bread delivery van pulled up at the entrance. This time, it wasn’t second-hand.
Gu Fei got out of the driver’s seat, shrugged off his lightweight puffer jacket, and tossed it onto the seat. Then he opened the cargo hold, grabbed a 50kg sack of flour in each hand, and strode inside with steady steps.
Jian Xiaoxi’s jaw dropped into an ‘O’ shape.
Because here’s the thing— the way the body handles weight on the shoulders and back is completely different from the arms. You can carry a 50kg sack of rice on your back, sure. But lifting 50kg with one hand?
And the label on the flour bags? Clearly said 50kg.
Holy shit.
100kg of dead weight is not the same as 100kg of a living, moving human. What kind of monster strength is this?!
Even the squad’s vice-captain, who hit the gym religiously, was left speechless. He could only stare in awe and mutter, “Damn, that’s insane…”
Yeah, insane. Absolutely wild.
A real-life Popeye. How much spinach had this guy eaten in his life?!
Look at those solid muscles. Look at those sharp, defined lines. Look at those eight-pack abs peeking out from under his shirt!
Jian Xiaoxi thought to himself, Damn, what a gem.
His phone suddenly rang. Seeing the caller ID, he grinned and answered, “Hèhè, guess where I am? Let me tell you, I’m officially done with little puppy boys—I’m switching my stan to a big—wait, what? Huh?! You’re in the hospital?!”
Gu Fei, who had been unloading supplies, suddenly paused.
Jian Xiaoxi shot up from his seat and rushed outside in a panic. Gu Fei’s grip slackened, and the two heavy flour sacks thudded onto the ground.
“I have a car—I’ll drive you there, Officer Jian,” Gu Fei offered.
Jian Xiaoxi was about to refuse, but it was rush hour—hailing a cab would be a pain, and going back to the station for his squad car would only waste more time. Grateful, he hopped into the van.
Before they left, Gu Fei made a quick detour to the back kitchen, disappearing for about a minute before returning to drive.
There were a lot of red lights on the way, and Jian Xiaoxi was starting to regret not grabbing the police car after all. He glanced at Gu Fei, who was gripping the steering wheel tightly. “Don’t worry. Hèhè is fine.”
Gu Fei kept his eyes on the road, his expression neutral, like he was just an uninvolved driver.
After a few seconds, he gave a quiet “Mm.”
When they arrived at the hospital, the scene was… lively.
First, Wang Tu was squatting in the corner, hands over his head, being questioned by the police.
Next, Xia Zhile was red-eyed, angrily demanding why Wang Tu had been let out, while An Nian hovered nervously beside him.
And finally, Lin Hening sat there, calm as ever, watching the morning drama unfold like a spectator.
Jian Xiaoxi gasped theatrically. “Hèhè! My dear Hèhè! Are you okay?!”
His exaggerated expression made it look like Lin Hening had lost a limb.
Lin Hening rolled his eyes. What’s with all the drama? I already told him over the phone—it’s just some minor scrapes.
Honestly, he hadn’t even needed to come to the hospital. After Wang Tu finished his ridiculous self-justification, Lin Hening had kindly attempted to explain things to him, but Wang Tu got emotional and tried to start a fight. Luckily, some patrolling officers had passed by, bringing them all to the station. After sorting things out, the officers suggested Lin Hening get checked at the hospital—conveniently, there was one just fifty meters across the street.
Jian Xiaoxi clicked his tongue. “Look at this—your arm’s all red, your hand’s scraped! Boss Gu, come check this out!”
Lin Hening: “?”
Gu Fei’s here too? Oh, he really was.
Lin Hening hadn’t seen him in a while. He looked the same, just with darker circles under his eyes—restaurant work was tough.
Gu Fei asked, “You okay?”
Lin Hening chuckled. “Good as new.”
Gu Fei looked like he wanted to say more, but suddenly, Wang Tu’s voice exploded from the side—
“So it’s YOU two who are sleeping together?! I was after the wrong guy! I should’ve come for YOU!”
An Nian screamed in fright and immediately hid behind Xia Zhile, who turned bright red. “Don’t talk nonsense! There’s nothing going on between me and An Nian!”
The police officer frowned. “This is a hospital. Take it outside.”
Watching this messy drama once was entertaining—twice? Not so much. Thankfully, they all got the hell out.
Lin Hening’s gaze flickered to Gu Fei. Gu Fei was already looking at him.
Jian Xiaoxi clapped his hands together. “Ah! I’m gonna go buy some drinks. Boss Gu, keep an eye on Hèhè for me, yeah?”
The guy bolted faster than a rabbit.
Lin Hening opened his mouth to say ‘Don’t buy drinks—get me some food too’ but didn’t get the chance.
Gu Fei sat beside him. “Haven’t had breakfast yet, huh?”
Lin Hening thought about it. I did—got served a full-course meal of punches and kicks.
His stomach was empty, but still manageable. That familiar lightheadedness, though… Ah. Low blood sugar.
Suddenly, something warm pressed into his hands.
Lin Hening blinked. “?”
He was now holding a thermos lunchbox.
Gu Fei unwrapped a disposable glove and handed it to him.
Lin Hening felt a wave of helpless amusement. He didn’t even know where to start with this.
Why the hell is it that every single time I meet Gu Fei, I’m starving?!
The car accident? Starving.
Getting picked up off the street? Starving.
When he had the flu? Starving.
Going to Gu Fei’s restaurant for breakfast? Starving.
That hotpot meal? Starving.
And now? Starving again!
This is ridiculous.
A perpetually hungry man meeting a chef-level restaurant owner, and every time, the chef just so happened to feed him?
Beyond ridiculous.
Lin Hening put on the gloves and took a bite of the steaming meat bun. Underneath, there was a layer of soft, sweet pumpkin porridge. One sip—it was warm, comforting, and filled his stomach just right.
Gu Fei’s phone rang—probably something at the restaurant. Lin Hening quickly urged him to go back. Jian Xiaoxi returned just in time.
As Gu Fei left, Jian Xiaoxi beamed. “Guess what? I got a ride here from Gu Fei. As soon as he heard you were in the hospital, he drove me here without hesitation.”
Lin Hening muttered, “Oh, really.”
Jian Xiaoxi gave him a knowing look. “Hèhè, I think Gu Fei likes you.”
Lin Hening froze. “Huh?”
Jian Xiaoxi crossed his arms. “Come on, you’re usually so sharp—why are you so dense about this? He used me as an excuse to come see you. And that food in your hands? He brought that for you. When we were leaving, I saw him go to the kitchen first—turns out he was getting you something to eat. That’s some serious thoughtfulness.”
Lin Hening nearly choked on his pumpkin porridge.
Jian Xiaoxi sighed dramatically. “Listen, I’m telling you—Gu Fei’s a good choice. He’s handsome, steady, reliable, and those eight-pack abs? That’s peak security. Sure, his financial situation isn’t amazing, but when it comes to long-term relationships, practicality matters more than flashiness.”
He continued, “Oh, by the way, I never finished my sentence earlier—I’m officially done with little puppy boys. I’ve fallen for a big Tibetan Mastiff instead. You should consider it. I’m serious.”
Lin Hening frowned. “Don’t be ridiculous. I have a boyfriend.”
Jian Xiaoxi burst into laughter. “You mean that weak-ass chicken? Oh, come on! When push comes to shove, he’s useless! He can’t protect you, and he’s dragging you into trouble. Man, I was so blind thinking you two were some kind of fated couple.”
Lin Hening wanted to defend his boyfriend, but when he opened his mouth, no words came out.
Jian Xiaoxi said, “If a boyfriend isn’t suitable, just replace him. Especially one who flirts with others.”
“My nickname is ‘Picking Watermelons,’” Jian Xiaoxi continued. “You better not get stuck on your first love and refuse to let go of Xia Zhile, who’s like a stale sesame seed, and end up missing out on Gu Fei, who’s a juicy, crisp, and incredibly refreshing big watermelon!”
Lin Hening: “……”
That metaphor wasn’t particularly hurtful to Xia Zhile, but it was deeply insulting.
Just then, the insulted Xia Zhile returned. With a worried expression, he fussed over Lin Hening, then turned his frustration toward the police, angrily criticizing them for only detaining Wang Tu for a few days before releasing him. Listening to him made Jian Xiaoxi’s fists clench.
Lin Hening interrupted, “Where’s that junior of yours?”
Xia Zhile replied, “An Nian asked me to apologize to you.”
“Shouldn’t you be the one apologizing?” Jian Xiaoxi couldn’t hold back. “Wasn’t this whole mess caused by you? Hening already has to deal with cunning suspects, tragic victims, strict judges, and scheming defense lawyers every day. And on top of that, she has to handle the trouble you bring her?”
Xia Zhile’s face burned with embarrassment. He stammered for a long time before finally kneeling before Lin Hening, apologizing in every possible way.
Xia Zhile truly cared about Lin Hening, but to be honest, he also felt a little wronged.
Wang Tu was the one who was out of his mind—who could have predicted that he’d go after Lin Hening?
Besides, in this whole situation, everyone—especially An Nian—was a victim. The only real villain was Wang Tu.
So, when An Nian cried while apologizing that night, Xia Zhile felt nothing but heartache.
“It’s not your fault, don’t cry,” Xia Zhile reassured him. “Besides, Lin Hening is fine. In the end, it was Wang Tu who got his arm dislocated.”
“That was so close,” An Nian sobbed. “If something had happened to Lin, I would never forgive myself.”
“I know,” An Nian continued. “And I know you wouldn’t be at peace for the rest of your life either.”
Feeling soft-hearted, Xia Zhile hugged An Nian and comforted him. “It’s okay, it’s okay. It’s not your fault, and it’s not mine either. Alright, stop crying, or you’ll ruin your looks.”
Hearing that, An Nian stopped crying.
Xia Zhile chuckled. “Then let me tell you some good news. Will that cheer you up?”
“What?” An Nian’s bright apricot eyes sparkled with anticipation. “What good news? Tell me, tell me!”
Xia Zhile got a little lost in that warm and excited smile. “I’m getting promoted—Deputy Director. It’s almost certain.”
“Oh my god!” An Nian gasped, covering his mouth in shock. “Senior, you’re amazing! You’re really amazing!”
Overjoyed, An Nian threw his arms around Xia Zhile’s neck, jumping up and down in excitement.
His forehead accidentally brushed against Xia Zhile’s lips.
An Nian froze.
Xia Zhile’s pupils dilated, his fingertips trembled, and his mind went blank.
