Xu Nian returned from his business trip. Although they still lived separately and only met occasionally, for Guan Xia, it felt like her peaceful life had suddenly become livelier.
Having worked overtime for several months straight, Xu Nian was finally taking a long vacation. So now, Guan Xia had someone to accompany her on her morning runs. When the mood struck to have hotpot near the neighborhood, she could find a companion even when Pang Le was busy.
Both Guan Xia and Xu Nian were people of few words. They would chat when they felt like it, and when tired of talking, they would each go about their own business. Guan Xia quite enjoyed this atmosphere of having company while still feeling completely at ease. However, perhaps because they were re-familiarizing themselves after more than two months apart, Guan Xia couldn't shake the feeling that Xu Nian seemed a bit different from before.
For instance, right now. Xu Nian had brought over some new dumplings his mother made, and they were enjoying them together. But as she ate, Guan Xia would repeatedly feel Xu Nian's gaze settling on her face.
Thinking Xu Nian had something to say, Guan Xia would instinctively look up, only to find that he had already averted his eyes, as if everything she had sensed was just her imagination.
After this happened several times, Guan Xia couldn't help but wonder if she hadn't washed her face properly that day. But checking her reflection in her phone screen, she found nothing unusual.
After a few more instances, Guan Xia couldn't hold back anymore. Having finished eating anyway, she put down her chopsticks and looked at Xu Nian seriously. "You've been acting like you want to say something but stop yourself lately. Is there something you want to tell me?"
Guan Xia's first thought was that something had changed with Wu Yang's case. She couldn't help looking at Xu Nian hesitantly and asked, "It's not that there's a problem with Wu Yang's case, is it?"
As she asked, her heart tightened. She was truly worried that some new upheaval might disrupt her currently happy life.
Although Xu Nian had long realized Guan Xia was a bit dense when it came to certain matters, faced with the situation now, he still couldn't help sighing inwardly. He really should have called Lu Tingfeng over to witness this. Lu Tingfeng always said he was clueless about romance; he should let him see what truly clueless looked like.
Xu Nian did indeed have something he wanted to say to Guan Xia. He had even wanted to say it on the day he returned. But Pang Le was there that day, and he felt it wasn't the right moment, so he planned to wait a couple of days. However, as days passed, seeing Guan Xia's completely unenlightened state, he felt the timing was still too early. Since he was on a long vacation, and remembering Jiang Yingyao's advice about "moistening things silently and imperceptibly," he decided to take advantage of their free time to quietly nurture their relationship.
The result was that his own feelings grew fuller and more overflowing, and he couldn't help but fantasize about their future life. But looking at Guan Xia again, the progress was still at zero.
Recalling a joke Lu Tingfeng had made in the past, Xu Nian couldn't help but sigh inwardly again. It was true, one shouldn't speak too absolutely in youthful ignorance. Otherwise, when karma comes around, the bitterness feels especially acute.
Feeling bitter inside but maintaining a calm expression, Xu Nian smiled slightly. As he poured water for Guan Xia, he said, "There are some things I want to say, but they're unrelated to the case. I wanted to ask, how is the preparation for your new comic going? And besides comics, do you have any other plans for the future?"
Xu Nian phrased it subtly, attempting to convey the unspoken words through his gaze—things like feelings, or even marriage.
Unfortunately, Guan Xia, who usually shared some tacit understanding with him, didn't pick up on anything this time. Tilting her head, she thought for a moment and said, "The new comic is in preparation. It's not going super smoothly, but with some grinding, it can progress. As for other things, I don't really have any ideas for now. Oh wait, yes I do."
At this sentence, Guan Xia instinctively sat up straighter, and Xu Nian also perked up, sitting upright and looking at her expectantly.
She has a plan? What is it? Could it be about relationships? Although he didn't dare hope she would suddenly become enlightened and like him back the way he liked her, at least with a friend like Pang Le, witnessing her and Lu Tingfeng's sweetness every day, she must harbor some yearning for romance, right?
Xu Nian grew more excited the more he thought about it, his expression nearly slipping out of control. But the next second, he heard Guan Xia excitedly slap the table and say, "I plan to start working out! Preferably with a personal trainer. When we were investigating the case before, I was really envious of Sister Ji, Pang Le, and Zhong Xiaoyu's muscles. I don't expect to be as skilled in fighting as them, but at critical moments, I want to have at least some ability to resist. At the very least, I could run faster and farther!"
Guan Xia had always been very aware. Although Xu Nian and Pang Le always protected her thoroughly during past investigations, who could guarantee that accidents would never happen in this world? Besides, this world is a fusion of detective stories. It might be a bit late for her to start learning martial arts now, but starting is better than just thinking about it. The sooner she starts training, the more peace of mind she'll have, beyond just relying on her "protagonist halo."
After saying this, Guan Xia looked at Xu Nian with bright, shining eyes, seeking his opinion. "What do you think? As a police captain, you surely don't want a teammate who drags everyone down, right?"
Looking at Guan Xia's earnest expression, the bitterness in Xu Nian's heart intensified. But when it came to serious matters like this, Xu Nian never gave perfunctory responses. After thinking seriously for a moment, he nodded. "That's a very good plan. Whether it's used during investigations or not, it's at least good for your health. I approve."
"I knew you'd approve!" Guan Xia clapped her hands again. "Then it's settled. After our gathering tomorrow, I'll go to Pang Le's gym and start training properly."
Guan Xia was a person of strong initiative (ability to take action). She was already counting on her fingers and making plans. Xu Nian appeared fully supportive on the surface, but in reality, he felt very empty inside, and an unfamiliar sense of defeat arose. He couldn't help but doubt himself. Hadn't even reached his 30th birthday yet, had he already completely lost his charm? Or were people just being polite when they said he was good-looking? Maybe he was actually quite ugly.
Glancing at Guan Xia, who was completely oblivious to him, Xu Nian, feeling bitter, secretly took out his phone. Using the black screen as a mirror, he carefully examined himself. Maybe he wasn't as handsome as Lu Tingfeng, but his eyes were eyes, his nose was a nose... he wasn't bad-looking. Why was Guan Xia so completely unmoved, treating him so naturally as if he weren't of the opposite sex at all?
A sudden thought occurred to Xu Nian. He looked at Guan Xia, then at himself, and frowned. Could it be that she had already seen through life to the point of being ready to become a nun? Were all beauties in her eyes just decaying bones? Otherwise, it was impossible to explain her indifference towards him, and the fact that she was never impressed by Lu Tingfeng's looks either. Or perhaps... her aesthetic taste was completely different from normal people's?
While Xu Nian's thoughts were running wild, Guan Xia quickly finished making her short-term plans. Coming back to her senses and seeing two dumplings left on the plate, she decided to let Xu Nian finish them so she could wash the dishes.
Unexpectedly, she called Xu Nian's name twice with no response. She couldn't help but look at him suspiciously, even waving her hand in front of his eyes. "Xu Nian? Xu Nian?"
Xu Nian finally heard Guan Xia calling him. He snapped out of his daze and quickly asked, "I'm here, what's wrong?"
Guan Xia looked carefully at Xu Nian for a moment and said, "What are you thinking about? I called your name twice and you didn't respond. Or are you pondering some case again? But I haven't seen any major incidents on the local news feeds lately; everything seems calm."
Xu Nian pinched himself in a spot where Guan Xia couldn't see, perked up, and replied with a smile, "It's nothing. I was just thinking that I've been so busy running around the office lately, it feels like I haven't worked out in a while. Since I'm free anyway, I might as well join you."
Xu Nian had initially just been making up an excuse, but the more he spoke, the more reasonable it sounded. The reason Guan Xia might not be interested in him could be that she hadn't yet discovered his better qualities. If nothing else, his physique was quite good—he had pecs and abs. Although it felt a bit shameless to think this way, upon reflection, maybe he could learn a thing or two from Lu Tingfeng in certain aspects.
The more Xu Nian analyzed, the more clever he felt, and the more genuine the smile on his face became.
Hearing that she now had a workout buddy, Guan Xia was also very happy, her smile exceptionally bright.
The next day was the day of the gathering. Since Xu Nian was also going, Guan Xia didn't let Pang Le pick her up. Instead, she agreed on a time with Xu Nian and caught a ride with him.
Once again, Qi Bai had chosen the location for this gathering—a vacation villa in the suburbs where you could barbecue. Even though it was already December, if you dressed warmly, huddled together, and with the heat from the barbecue grill, it wasn't too cold.
When Guan Xia and Xu Nian arrived, everyone else was already there. To Guan Xia's surprise, Pang Le wasn't sitting next to Lu Tingfeng but had very naturally taken a seat beside her. Zhong Xiaoyu sat on Pang Le's other side, forcing Lu Tingfeng to sit opposite Guan Xia, just like during their first meeting.
Last time, Lu Tingfeng hadn't shown any particular reaction, but this time his face carried a hint of grievance. When greeting Guan Xia, he would occasionally shoot a pitiful glance towards Pang Le.
Unfortunately, this display of grievance was completely lost on Pang Le, who seemed utterly unaware, quite contentedly chatting and drinking tea with Zhong Xiaoyu. Although Zhong Xiaoyu wanted to help, in this situation she could only give Lu Tingfeng a helpless look.
What Guan Xia noticed, Xu Nian, who knew Lu Tingfeng so well, naturally saw as well. His expression remained normal, but inwardly he felt a bit of schadenfreude, thinking it served Lu Tingfeng right. Who told him to act so insufferable a while back, bragging about his skyrocketing romantic progress while Xu Nian was at his busiest, working overtime every day, and even daring to mock him for having a handsome face but no charm? This was his comeuppance.
Xu Nian cursed inwardly and even tried to provoke Lu Tingfeng with his eyes, but in front of Guan Xia, he maintained a calm and steady demeanor. Not only did he casually pull out a chair for Guan Xia, but he also very naturally poured a cup of warm water and placed it by her hand.
Xu Nian thought he was being quite discreet, but he still attracted the attention of Pang Le, Ji An, Lu Tingfeng, Jiang Yingyao, and Wang Yu. The others were fine; aside from Pang Le giving him a knowing and teasing look, they just glanced over with a smile and looked away. Only Lu Tingfeng's gaze was particularly sharp and complex—a mix of jealousy, disdain, and envy, so complicated it made Xu Nian feel thoroughly pleased, thinking inwardly, "Serves you right. So you have a day like this too."
Having been a loner for over twenty years, Guan Xia had only barely gotten used to such social situations this year. Although a bit slow on the uptake, she still sensed the unspoken exchange between Xu Nian and Lu Tingfeng. She couldn't help looking at one, then the other, and then at Pang Le, guessing inwardly: Could it be that the progress between Lu Tingfeng and Pang Le has stalled, and since he's not close to me, he's planning to use Xu Nian to get me to put in a good word for him with Pang Le?
Everyone had their own thoughts, but only Qi Bai was wholly filled with the joy of the gathering. Once everyone was seated and greetings were exchanged, he was the first to raise his glass and say, "After two months and nine days, the 'no going home until we're drunk' promise we couldn't fulfill last time is finally going to happen today. Although it's a bit late, I think it's still very much worth celebrating. Let's celebrate our... successful completion."
It seemed Qi Bai was genuinely happy, so happy he was even a bit incoherent and using words inappropriately.
But no one paid much attention at a time like this. They all smiled and raised their glasses. "Cheers!"
Drinking before eating—fortunately, it was beer and not baijiu. Otherwise, every single person at this table might or might not get drunk, but an upset stomach afterward would be a certainty.
Both Pang Le and Xu Nian were very experienced. After sitting back down, they each very smoothly put some of the prepared food that Qi Bai and the others had brought onto Guan Xia's plate.
Guan Xia didn't find anything odd about it. She cheerfully thanked each of them and then started eating.
As expected of the delicacies Qi Bai had carefully selected and brought to share, the braised dishes were quite tasty. The barbecue hadn't started yet, but judging by the freshness of the meat and vegetables, as long as Qi Bai didn't have an off day, the flavor should be pretty good.
Sure enough, it was just as Guan Xia guessed. As Qi Bai showcased his skills, plate after plate of freshly grilled barbecue came to the table, and everyone ate with great satisfaction.
Zhong Xiaoyu even praised while eating, "Qi Bai's skills are really good. With this talent, even if he quits being a policeman later and opens a barbecue stall, he could make a fortune."
Qi Bai puffed out his chest proudly and chuckled, "Right, right? I also think with my skills, I won't starve no matter where I go."
Zhong Xiaoyu, probably having controlled her diet for too long, couldn't stop eating once the restrictions were lifted. Later, she simply moved to sit next to Qi Bai, holding a plate and ordering from him like at a restaurant—whatever she wanted, Qi Bai grilled it for her. The two of them, one grilling and one eating, got along very harmoniously.
Guan Xia ate a little to settle her stomach. Seeing Zhong Xiaoyu wasn't there, she worried Pang Le might be bored and was about to chat with her. But when she looked up, Pang Le had somehow moved to sit next to Lu Tingfeng without her noticing. The two of them were chatting, all smiles, completely absorbed in their own world.
While taken aback, Guan Xia also sighed inwardly. She knew that as long as Pang Le didn't change her collector's habit, it would be hard for her to escape this "beauty hurdle" of Lu Tingfeng. Sometimes these past few days, she had wondered if the original storyline had them getting together this way too. After all, with Lu Tingfeng's looks and personality, he seemed tailor-made for Pang Le.
Perhaps because Guan Xia's gaze lingered on the two of them a bit too long, before she could look away, she heard Xu Nian ask by her ear, "A bit curious about how their progress could be so fast?"
It had to be said, Xu Nian knew her well enough to easily guess her thoughts. He really was a shrewd one too, Guan Xia thought, turning to look at Xu Nian and saying, "I am a bit curious. Aren't you?"
Xu Nian swiftly snatched two skewers of grilled mushrooms that Wang Yu had just placed on the table and set them in front of Guan Xia. Then, with a somewhat mysterious smile, he said, "I'm not curious, because I understand Lu Tingfeng. If I had to guess, that guy probably fell for Pang Le at first sight. That's why he could throw himself into a new chapter of life so quickly after letting go of his baggage."
This was something Guan Xia truly hadn't expected. She couldn't help but ask in surprise, "At first sight?"
Xu Nian loved moments like this when Guan Xia focused on him, as if she saw only him in her eyes, his figure reflected clearly in her gaze.
Looking at Guan Xia, Xu Nian always softened unconsciously. The corners of his mouth lifted into a gentle smile as he hummed in agreement.
But Guan Xia completely missed Xu Nian's upturned lips and the curve of his eyes. She just sighed with another realization, "No wonder. I was saying how Pang Le was bewitched by good looks, so her jumping in headfirst was one thing, but why was Lu Tingfeng also getting all mushy? So that's it."
Even as she spoke, Guan Xia thought to herself that perhaps in the original story's plot, Lu Tingfeng had also fallen for Pang Le at first sight. That would explain why, after their unexpected reunion later, they trusted each other so naturally and without much guard, becoming one of their own.
Guan Xia couldn't help but shift her gaze towards Pang Le again. She had been somewhat worried before about accidentally breaking their destined connection, but it turned out their fate had already begun long ago, without her knowing.
The stone in Guan Xia's heart finally settled completely, and she happily went back to eating and drinking.
Xu Nian, with great tacit understanding, kept Guan Xia company as they ate and drank. Perhaps it was the alcohol, but Guan Xia found herself rather uncharacteristically noticing Xu Nian's flushed cheeks and slightly dazed expression.
It was also at this moment that Guan Xia realized Pang Le had been quite right—Xu Nian really was quite good-looking.
Guan Xia stared so intently that she actually managed to make Xu Nian feel a bit shy. He instinctively wanted to avert his gaze, but he didn't want to miss such a good opportunity either. So, with great composure, he looked back at her and asked, a touch nervously, "What are you looking at?"
Even as he asked, Xu Nian had already prepared a response in his mind—if Guan Xia said she was looking because he was handsome, how should he reply? Instead, he heard Guan Xia say sincerely, "Checking if you're drunk."
Xu Nian's smile instantly froze on his face, and a feeling of bleak resignation rose in his heart—a sense of 'just let it be.'
How could he be drunk? Of course he wasn't drunk. He just felt a blissful illusion being here beside Guan Xia, eating and drinking with her. He was even fantasizing about how wonderful it would be if Guan Xia suddenly had an epiphany and they could always be like this in the future.
Although Guan Xia might not pay it much mind, he had always cherished and enjoyed their time alone together. He was even greedier, not wanting it to be just fleeting, but forever.
But these words couldn't be spoken yet. Xu Nian could only encourage himself internally while forcing a calm smile and saying, "Of course not. I have a high tolerance, I won't get drunk. It's you who should be careful not to drink too much, or you might get a stomachache."
Guan Xia didn't have a stomachache; she just felt a bit dizzy and pleasantly lazy all over. Propping her head up with her hand, she continued looking at Xu Nian. "Don't worry. Ever since I finished my last comic, I've been taking good care of myself. My stomach hasn't given me any trouble for a long time; it won't hurt. But what about you? Is your stomach okay? I noticed you drank quite a lot just now."
Although she hadn't paid close attention, Guan Xia had noticed Xu Nian's glass emptied faster than hers. A simple estimate told her he'd drunk at least twice as much as she had.
Even though it was just a casual, almost offhand concern, Xu Nian felt all the disappointment in his heart smoothed away. He replied gently, "My stomach has always been fine too. No need to worry."
Xu Nian didn't particularly like drinking, but perhaps because of the atmosphere, or maybe his mood, he had unconsciously drunk one glass after another. If Guan Xia hadn't mentioned it, he wouldn't have even realized how much he'd had tonight.
But so be it. Who could blame him when the night was so joyful? As long as he didn't lose his composure, it was fine to indulge occasionally. Like right now, hadn't Guan Xia shifted her attention, which was always on Pang Le, onto him instead?
For that reason alone, all that drink was worth it.
