Pang Le and Zhong Xiaoyu were truly starving. The dumplings had just been served and were still piping hot, but the two dug in ravenously, dipping them in vinegar.
Guan Xia carefully moved the bowls of dumpling soup near their hands aside, worried they might accidentally knock them over and scald themselves.
Finally back home, even though Guan Xia had a mountain of unanswered questions swirling in her mind, it didn’t affect her appetite. In fact, influenced by Pang Le and Zhong Xiaoyu’s voracious eating, she unconsciously finished two large bowls herself, feeling almost uncomfortably full.
After cleaning up the dining table and kitchen, Pang Le and Zhong Xiaoyu plopped onto the sofa, blissfully zoning out.
Too restless to sit still, Guan Xia opened her bag and pulled out a sketchbook, handing it to Xu Nian, who had just come out of the kitchen drying his hands.
Xu Nian quickly wiped his hands with a tissue, took the sketchbook, and flipped through it while casually asking, "Why give this to me? Did you find another suspicious person during your visit to the orphanage?"
Before he even finished speaking, he noticed the sketchbook had far more used pages than before, and his expression turned grave.
Seeing his reaction, Guan Xia immediately realized he was thinking of that criminal organization and hurried to explain, "They are suspicious people, but it’s unrelated to that group. These are just individuals I’ve been recalling and analyzing lately—something about them felt off at the time, though I can’t pinpoint exactly what. Still, I’ve sketched them. See if you can spare time to investigate."
Xu Nian’s expression relaxed slightly. He carefully examined each new sketch before closing the sketchbook with a sigh of relief. "Guan Xia, you’ve just handed Pingjiang District’s police station a huge gift. I don’t even know how to thank you enough. Really, thank you."
Guan Xia had done it almost on a whim and hadn’t expected such earnest gratitude from Xu Nian.
Flustered by his repeated thanks, she scratched her cheek sheepishly. Compared to Xu Nian and the others, her contributions felt trivial. Besides, she wasn’t entirely selfless—apprehending these criminals benefited her too, from the monthly bonuses Pingjiang District Station wired her to the boost in her "halo" intensity. It was a win-win.
She watched as Xu Nian solemnly took the sketchbook home to store it safely before returning to sit on the sofa. "Now that the case in Shangshuang City is closed, what’s the plan?"
Pang Le and Zhong Xiaoyu, who had been idly scrolling on their phones, immediately perked up and turned to Guan Xia.
Still too full to sit comfortably, Guan Xia remained standing. "On the way back, I thought it over. Even though we haven’t been directly exposed to that criminal organization yet, it’s only a matter of time before they notice us. Meng Lan is one of their targets and remains under their surveillance. She’s my close friend—we’ve met several times this year, and before Shangshuang City, we even went hiking together. If they dig just a little, they’ll quickly connect us to that case."
The mention of hiking brought back memories of everything that had happened in the mountains, especially the girl she’d recently parted ways with—the one tied to her by blood.
Lost in thought, Guan Xia unconsciously furrowed her brows.
Pang Le nodded. "Makes sense. Our travel records can’t be faked, and almost all of us joined that hike except Lu Tingfeng. If that organization catches on, none of us are safe. So while we’re still under the radar, we should push forward with the investigation."
Zhong Xiaoyu lounged against the sofa armrest, shrugging. "Let’s investigate. I’ve got money, time, and combat skills to spare. I’m ready to take them on."
Xu Nian nodded seriously. "I agree. That’s why I submitted a request as soon as we got back—to see what leads the task force has uncovered."
Guan Xia turned to him, intrigued. "Was your request approved?"
Xu Nian shook his head. "The task force is still tied up in Shangshuang City. The process is slow; might take a couple more days. But Director Ren hinted they’ve found something, though progress is tough. No breakthrough yet."
Guan Xia wasn’t surprised. "A criminal organization entrenched for decades won’t be uprooted easily. Still, Wu Xingxian’s death cracked open a door. Pity he died too fast—we couldn’t act in time."
The regret was palpable. They’d been fixated on the more suspicious imposter, Wu Yingze, and had even linked Wu Xingxian to Wu Yang. But with the case demanding all their attention, they’d been blindsided by the organization’s swift, ruthless move to silence Wu Xingxian.
Recalling the five deaths in a single night, Guan Xia’s vigilance spiked, along with a burning urgency.
She added, "Here’s my plan: while the Shangshuang City case is closed, it’s also reopened an old one. Let’s investigate our leads quickly. Once Brother Jiang’s team returns and Xu Nian’s request is approved, we’ll analyze the task force’s intel and decide how to target the organization."
She paused. "Then there’s Meng Lan. If we’re exposed, she’ll be in grave danger. I’ll discuss a plan with her—a plausible reason to bring her to Yongquan City without raising suspicion."
Xu Nian was the first to nod. "Agreed. Most of our squad’s still in Shangshuang City, but a few auxiliary officers remain. I’ll ask Director Ren for more manpower to speed up the investigation."
Pang Le chimed in firmly, "I’ll stick to my usual role—running errands for Guan Xia and doubling as her bodyguard."
Zhong Xiaoyu glanced between them and raised a hand. "What about me? Bodyguard duty too? Or should I join Xu Nian’s investigation?"
Guan Xia couldn’t help but laugh. "You’re our secret weapon—saved for critical moments. Rest up these next few days. Your big moment will come."
Guan Xia truly believed this—starting today and every day after, they were racing against time. As long as the criminal organization remained unaware of them, they could safely continue their investigation. But once they drew attention to themselves, their peaceful days would be over.
After briefly discussing their plans for the next few days, Xu Nian glanced at his watch, stood up, and prepared to leave.
Guan Xia walked him to the door. As he was changing his shoes, Xu Nian suddenly looked up at her and asked, "What were you thinking about earlier? You looked so serious."
Meeting his concerned gaze, Guan Xia was momentarily taken aback before realizing what he meant.
After hesitating for a few seconds, she replied tentatively, "I was thinking about what happened during that hike with Meng Lan. I’m still not entirely sure—was it just a coincidence that we ran into that murderer and my biological sister, or were they deliberately used against us?"
Though Guan Xia phrased it carefully, Xu Nian quickly picked up on her implication. "You’re worried that girl might have been manipulated, and if we’re exposed, she could be in danger?"
That was exactly what Guan Xia had considered. In the past, she might not have cared—after all, she had never spoken a word to that girl, making it clear she wanted nothing to do with her. Even if the criminal organization was ruthless, they wouldn’t use someone Guan Xia actively avoided as leverage. But after today’s unexpected encounter, she wasn’t so sure anymore.
Despite her dislike for the girl, Guan Xia had to admit she had been raised well—kind, innocent, and pure-hearted, like a delicate flower untouched by storms. She faced the world with sincerity. Guan Xia still didn’t want any connection with her, but she also didn’t want such a lovely person to suffer because of her.
After a brief pause, Guan Xia nodded honestly. "Yes. No matter what, she’s just an innocent bystander. I don’t want her dragged into this."
Xu Nian thought for a moment before saying, "I understand. Don’t worry—I’ll mention it to the task force. I’m sure they’ll assess the situation and keep an eye on her appropriately."
Relieved by his reassurance, Guan Xia thanked him sincerely.
Xu Nian smiled and waved it off before heading back to his own place.
Returning home after over forty days, everything seemed unchanged at first glance. But upon closer inspection, a thin layer of dust covered every surface.
After unpacking, Guan Xia decided to clean.
Pang Le and Zhong Xiaoyu naturally didn’t stand by idly—they grabbed cleaning supplies and divided the tasks with her.
While mopping the floor, Guan Xia recalled past events. As Pang Le passed by the study, Guan Xia called out casually, "By the way, I’ve been meaning to ask—how are things with Lawyer Shi? Any progress? If it’s going well, should I plan a meal with him?"
It was Pang Le’s habit to formally introduce each new boyfriend to Guan Xia. Though they hadn’t known each other for long, they’d shared quite a few meals together.
Guan Xia had only asked offhandedly, but Pang Le’s tone turned teasing as she replied, "Sorry, but you won’t be having that meal. Don’t worry, though—next time, I’ll definitely invite you."
Surprised, Guan Xia understood the implication. "Wait, you and Lawyer Shi didn’t work out? But he seemed really into you."
Then, remembering their recent travels, her expression shifted slightly. "Was it because of me—?"
Pang Le cut her off. "Don’t overthink it. It had nothing to do with you. We just weren’t compatible."
Guan Xia frowned. "But you were only after his looks. What’s there to be incompatible about? Did he suddenly get ugly? Or gain weight?"
She tried recalling Lawyer Shi’s face, but since she hadn’t seen him much and all of Pang Le’s exes were handsome, her memory was hazy.
Seeing they’d be talking for a while, Pang Le joined Guan Xia in wiping the bookshelves. "It’s not that he got ugly. It’s just… you know how adult relationships are. For people with careers, love is just a side dish. Neither of us had much time. At first, his looks were enough to keep me interested, but over time, with so little contact, the attraction faded."
Guan Xia paused. "So… it’s really over?"
Pang Le sighed, momentarily mournful over Lawyer Shi’s handsome face, but quickly shrugged it off. "Not necessarily. But he’s too busy. At first, I was willing to accommodate him, but eventually, I got impatient. And once I stopped being swayed by his looks, all his flaws became obvious. I never told you this, but he’s pretty traditional. He liked my face, but his ideal partner is more of a homemaker—someone who’d let him focus on his career."
She tossed the cloth aside in frustration. "Well, I’d love that too! His career matters, but so does mine. If anything, I’ve brought glory to our country—why can’t he be the supportive one?"
With a huff, she added, "Honestly, even before diving into this case with you, I was already getting tired of him. He wanted to make things official, but after thinking it over, his good looks couldn’t make up for his personality. So we called it quits."
Then, as if remembering something, she said, "Oh, and you played a part in this too. Remember Lawyer Dong? The one who hiked and had meals with us—seemed decent and ambitious?"
Guan Xia nodded. "Yeah, I remember. Didn’t I lend him a sketchbook once?"
Pang Le clapped her hands. "Exactly! He was interested in you before, and I managed to steer him away. But later, during a dinner with Lawyer Shi, the mood was so relaxed he let slip some honest thoughts. Guess what he said?"
Curious at Pang Le’s irritated expression, Guan Xia asked, "What?"
Pang Le pouted and said, "He actually told me that you should give Lawyer Dong a try, claiming you're totally his ideal type. If you two got together, he’d treat you really well—at the very least, he’d be loyal and make sure you never lacked for money."
Guan Xia was baffled. "Make sure I never lack for money? I’m already fine financially."
Pang Le scoffed. "Right? As if loyalty is some rare virtue. Isn’t it just the baseline for couples who haven’t broken up yet? By that logic, I’m pretty loyal too—at least I’ve ended all my relationships amicably and never two-timed anyone."
She went on, "Honestly, Lawyer Dong’s so-called 'ideal type' just boils down to someone pretty, wealthy, and free enough to revolve their schedule around his. How’s that any different from Shi Guangbo’s mindset? They all just want a virtuous wife and nurturing mother. Men like that are so painfully practical. That’s why I find it all so dull. No matter how handsome he is, it doesn’t make up for his personality flaws in my eyes. So, forget it. Honestly, things are great as they are. Everyone in our investigative team is easy on the eyes—especially Lu Tingfeng. Just looking at his face during meals makes the food taste better."
Guan Xia couldn’t help but laugh, though she hesitated before asking, "You’re not eyeing Lu Tingfeng for his looks again, are you?"
The question was casual, but Pang Le reacted as if startled, shaking her head vigorously. "No, no, no! I’m just appreciating him, like with Xu Nian—purely visual enjoyment. I wouldn’t dare touch either of them. Xu Nian’s too intense, and Lu Tingfeng’s too devoted. I bet he’s the type who rarely falls for anyone but, once he does, latches on for life. I’m too young to tie myself to one tree. I’d rather explore the whole forest."
Pang Le’s earnest declaration made Guan Xia stifle a laugh. Despite everything they’d been through together, Pang Le hadn’t changed at all—still the same cheerful, optimistic person she’d always been.
Chatting with her lifted Guan Xia’s spirits, leaving her feeling lighthearted. The future seemed wide open, brimming with promise.
