Chapter Seventy-Four: Nothing But Nonsense

“Really?” At the sudden turn of events, Chu Dong could hardly believe it. Luo Feiyu always seemed so principled—could she actually bend the rules for his car because of this?

“That depends on whether you tell the truth or not.” Luo Feiyu hadn’t had breakfast and now felt her stomach rumbling. Glancing at her watch, she saw it was already twenty past eleven—almost lunchtime. “Let me buy you something to eat at the cafeteria. Think of it as payment for satisfying my curiosity.”

“No, let me treat you. Besides, if I show up in your cafeteria, who knows if the chef will think I’m a lecher trying to woo the police beauty and chase me out with a ladle.” Chu Dong was worried about running into Gao Jun. Last time he’d gotten lucky, but if it came to a real confrontation, he doubted he’d be so fortunate again.

“Fine! There’s a new hotpot place across the street. I haven’t tried it yet. Since you’re treating, I won’t hold back.” Luo Feiyu was as straightforward as ever.

As they left Luo Feiyu’s office, several police officers watched Chu Dong walk out with her, their faces full of disbelief. Who didn’t know that Gao Jun had been interested in Luo Feiyu for ages? Even with everyone setting him up, he hadn’t managed a single meal alone with her. Yet this odd-looking fellow, who’d shown up last time with a bruised face, could now, just by wearing a security guard uniform, charm the department’s beauty? Was being a security guard better than being a real police officer these days?

The Bashu Legends hotpot restaurant was lavishly decorated and packed to the brim at lunchtime. Only a small table by the window in the corner remained, next to a towering standing air conditioner. To their surprise, the food wasn’t expensive at all. They ordered plenty of lamb, beef, and vegetables, but the bill was modest. Chu Dong wanted to order some drinks, but Luo Feiyu stopped him.

“I don’t drink,” she said firmly.

“But last time, you seemed to hold your liquor just fine.” Chu Dong remembered their first meeting at the food festival, her table littered with empty bottles. He didn’t believe she couldn’t drink.

“I’m on duty now.” She shot him a glare, folded her arms, then glanced over her shoulder at the air conditioner’s white, misty breath.

“Waiter, could you turn down the air conditioning a bit?” After making the request, Chu Dong looked back at Luo Feiyu. “Let’s swap seats. By the way, if you’re not drinking, I’ll help myself!”

“You won’t either—unless you don’t want your car back.” Luo Feiyu’s eyes sparkled with playful mischief as they switched seats.

“Fine, no drinks. A true man can still eat with gusto, wine or none!” Chu Dong rolled up his sleeves and waved at the waiter. “That’s enough for now—bring the dishes out! I can’t wait any longer.”

“So, are you finally going to tell me what happened last time? Hurry up, I’m not a patient person.” As she blew on a piece of lamb, Luo Feiyu kept pressing Chu Dong for his story.

“I’m only telling you—no one else would get it out of me. But you can’t spread it around,” Chu Dong whispered mysteriously, leaning in.

“Understood. Go on.”

“Well, when I was a kid, I practiced martial arts. I can’t exactly leap across rooftops, but I know Wing Chun, Long Arm Boxing, Tan Tui, Five Tigers Breaking the Gate Sabre—you name it. Forget a mere acting captain of the Criminal Investigation Team—even the real deal would be no match for me…”

“Keep bragging, keep bragging…” At first, Luo Feiyu listened intently, but soon realized he was just teasing her. She grabbed her chopsticks and rapped them repeatedly on his outstretched head.

“Stop, stop! Why hit a good girl like you? All right, already—don’t you want to hear the rest?” Chu Dong tried to protect his head but couldn’t shield his hands, and Luo Feiyu’s aim was deadly accurate, striking his knuckles until he pleaded for mercy.

“Smart of you to give in. Now, spill it.” Satisfied, Luo Feiyu sat up straight, waiting for his account.

“It’s nothing, really. When he covered his head with his jacket, I made my move. He started cheating first, so it’s not my fault. Like they say, if you don’t take advantage, you’re a fool. I was just going with the flow.” To get his car back, Chu Dong confessed and recounted the whole incident in detail.

“Haha! I knew you used a trick!” Luo Feiyu laughed gleefully. “Gao Jun sure was unlucky to run into you. I can’t stand his arrogant airs. Serves him right! From now on, you’re my buddy.” She raised her complimentary teacup, insisting on a toast with Chu Dong.

“Since we’re buddies, about my car…” Chu Dong seized the moment, afraid she might change her mind.

“Leave it to me. Consider it done.” She’d even changed before going out—jeans and a white T-shirt, brimming with youthful energy.

“You’re the best! Come on, since there’s no wine, let’s toast with a piece of lamb.” Chu Dong picked up a slice of meat, clinked it in the air with Luo Feiyu’s, and they both stuffed the meat into their mouths, then burst out laughing after they swallowed.

“Next time, bring your boyfriend to the city. I’ll treat you both to a proper meal—order whatever you want.” Chu Dong was in high spirits now that things had gone his way.

“Who says I have a boyfriend?” Luo Feiyu stopped searching for vegetables in the hotpot, glaring at him in protest.

“You don’t? With your looks, no one’s chasing after you? Is everyone at your station blind? Or are there too many and you lost count? Seeing how close we are, can I cut in line? I’m young, successful, and above average—even if I’m not quite up to your standards, I’m still presentable. What do you say…” Chu Dong laid on the flattery thick.

“Save your sweet talk. I care as much for money and handsome men as I do for dirt. If no one truly moves me, I’d rather stay single.” Maybe because Chu Dong was so obvious, Luo Feiyu didn’t take it seriously at all.

The hotpot was delicious, the ingredients fresh, and though neither touched a drop of alcohol, they both ate heartily. Perhaps because she was so full, Luo Feiyu paused, checked her belly, and, seeing no noticeable change, finally looked up, content. She caught Chu Dong staring fixedly at her chest and, grabbing the ashtray from the table, waved it threateningly.

“What are you looking at?”

“I was just wondering how to win your heart.” Chu Dong didn’t feel at all embarrassed; he replied as calmly as if he’d prepared the line ahead of time.

“You’re impossible! Pay the bill and get that wreck of yours out of here—I’ve got a lot of work to do.” As she fished a wet wipe from her purse and cleaned her hands, she instructed Chu Dong to settle the bill, planning to head back to the bureau as soon as he returned.

“Remember, bring your friend tomorrow to finish the paperwork. If you forget, I’ll skin you alive.” After fiercely warning him as he started his car, Luo Feiyu waved goodbye.

Chu Dong had just turned onto Jinma Road, not even back on the main avenue to the city, when his phone rang cheerfully.

It was the secretary outside Tan Xue’s office at Silver Dragon Group.

“Hello, Mr. Chu. Miss Tan says if you don’t come in to work soon, she’ll have finance dock a year’s salary. How soon can you get here?”

“Very soon, very soon! Please stall her, give her something to do, just don’t cut my pay! I need it to get married!” The threat was too much—Chu Dong broke into a sweat, hung up, and sped up, cursing Tan Xue under his breath, wishing pimples upon her fair cheek.

P.S.: Another chapter will be posted around ten tonight. Not bad, right?