Chapter 54: No relatives or friends
At the beginning of December, the city welcod its first snow after two weeks of brewing.
The outside was freezing cold, while indoors felt like spring—this was Jiang City. The northern heating system was truly a remarkable invention, far superior to the old woodstoves or heated brick beds.
“Don’t open the door for strangers. Actually, unless it’s , don’t open the door for anyone. Pretend no one’s ho, even if it’s my dad knocking.”
As Xu Qing adjusted his outfit, he left these instructions. Jiang He, sitting at the computer, was engrossed in a ga, giving no indication whether they’d heard him.
“Did you hear ?”
“Yeah, I heard you.”
“Okay, I’m leaving. If you’re hungry, make yourself sothing to eat.”
Xu Qing glanced at the snowflakes drifting outside. After so hesitation, he grabbed a scarf and wrapped it around his neck. With one final reminder, he stepped out the door, just as Jiang He was starting to show signs of impatience.
It was almost like raising a daughter… Being a doting father sure was satisfying.
Ever since Jiang He moved in, Xu Qing’s social life had dwindled significantly. He spent most of his ti at ho playing—no, teaching Jiang He basic life skills. His friends found it odd—Xu Wenbin found it especially so.
It was like a passionate angler suddenly abandoning his fishing rod for figurines, turning from an outdoor enthusiast into a hobody. Suspicious, to say the least.
Xu Qing had prepared a solid and truthful explanation: “I got a girlfriend. Why would I hang out with you guys instead of staying ho?”
As for visiting his old place, he decided to handle that when it was ti to pay rent, hoping to negotiate for a discount or even waive it entirely.
Today, though, he had plans with Qin Hao and the gang—dinner and a little maneuvering to turn Qin Hao into an ally for so future sches.
Jiang City Plaza
Xu Qing stepped out of the cab in front of the hotpot restaurant. Just as he was about to send a WeChat ssage, a black Cadillac pulled up. The window rolled down to reveal Wang Zijun, one hand on the wheel, the other casually resting on the window fra as he struck a cocky pose.
“Looking sharp, huh?”
“…”
Xu Qing glanced around, unwillingly admitting that this nouveau riche friend could pull it off. “Where’s your BMW?”
“People said it made look like a show-off, so I switched.”
“Oh… What are you going to lay eggs in this ti?”
Wang Zijun shrugged, reversed into a parking space, and hopped out, hunching his shoulders against the biting cold of December.
“I don’t get it—why pick a snowy day like this? Wouldn’t it be better to stay ho cuddling your girlfriend?” he complained.
“Haozi doesn’t have a girlfriend.”
“Oh, right.”
Wang Zijun chuckled but was interrupted before he could say more.
“That’s why his kidneys are in great shape, unlike yours, struggling to keep up with the cold,” Xu Qing teased.
“Hey! Over here!”
A booming voice rang out from above. They looked up to see Qin Hao leaning out of a second-floor window, waving energetically. He wore just a thin shirt, breath fogging in the cold air.
“Let’s go, Kidney Prince. No need to be jealous,” Xu Qing called, smirking.
“Get lost. You’re the one with issues!”
Grumbling, Wang Zijun followed Xu Qing into the restaurant and up to the private room. Qin Hao was already inside, rinsing glasses with tea. Xu Qing removed his scarf, hat, and coat, taking a seat with a plop while considering how to approach the conversation ahead.
Jiang He’s situation wasn’t sothing that could be resolved overnight. Any solution would require careful planning and attention to every detail.
“Have you ordered?”
“No, waiting for you guys,” Qin Hao replied, sipping tea with a satisfied sigh. “Where’s Kidney Prince?”
“Bathroom,” Xu Qing answered absently, flipping through the nu. “Can we drink tonight?”
“Just a little. As long as there’s no trace of alcohol tomorrow.”
“Good. I need to limit myself anyway—soone at ho keeps in check.”
Xu Qing spoke nonchalantly, then added, “By the way, last ti, you said you wanted to investigate . What’s that about? Think I’m trafficking people or sothing?”
“Don’t give that!” Qin Hao laughed in exasperation. “Last ti, you were so secretive around us law enforcent. What were you up to? Seems fishy to . Co clean.”
Xu Qing’s behavior at the KTV had indeed raised suspicions. If it were a regular girlfriend, there’d be no need for all the evasive actions. It all scread one thing: hiding sothing.
“When did I ever hide anything?” Xu Qing looked innocently at him.
“Your sister?” Qin Hao asked, narrowing his eyes.
“That’s… a long story.”
“Close the window! All the heat’s escaping!” Wang Zijun burst in, the cold wind hitting his face as he shut the door behind him.
“Let’s order. You go first, boss,” Xu Qing said, handing Wang Zijun the nu.
Wang Zijun wasted no ti, ordering two plates of kidneys before passing the nu back to Xu Qing.
The three of them settled into the small private room: Qin Hao, burly and dark-skinned; Wang Zijun, skinny to the point of looking sickly; and Xu Qing, the only one who looked normal—but also the one who caused the most trouble.
Qin Hao knew Xu Qing too well. Beneath his composed facade, Xu Qing was undoubtedly scheming sothing.
“Stop overthinking. This guy beca a cop, and now he thinks everyone’s a criminal,” Xu Qing remarked, shooting a glance at Wang Zijun.
“Fine, I’ll tell you. It’s… complicated. That girl? I’ve known her for a while. She used to do odd jobs and had it rough. Wang Zijun, you’ve t her before.”
“? Oh, the one you brought last ti?” Wang Zijun nodded, curious. “What’s the deal with her?”
“He’s convinced she’s a criminal.”
“I never said that! It’s you acting suspicious that got thinking. If it were anyone else, I wouldn’t care.” Qin Hao grumbled, slightly embarrassed but resolute in his belief that sothing didn’t add up.
“Oh, so you’re a protagonist detective, and I’m the villainous mastermind. We’ve known each other since childhood, destined to clash in an epic battle of wits,” Xu Qing quipped with a smirk.
“But guess what? This isn’t a novel. I’m just a law-abiding citizen, and you’re a community officer. Can we drop the drama already?”
“Enough nonsense. What’s her story?” Qin Hao pressed.
“She has no family or ties here, and I felt sorry for her, so I took her in as my girlfriend.”
“Pfft!”
Wang Zijun nearly spat out his tea. “That’s what you call normal?”
“Yes. Why isn’t it?” Xu Qing replied, deadpan.
“…Fine, but why did you call her your sister?” Qin Hao wasn’t letting it go.
“To protect her identity.”
“…!”
Wang Zijun stopped himself from sipping tea just in ti. Was Xu Qing being honest or just pulling their leg?
“Are you admitting it?” Qin Hao squinted suspiciously.
“I never denied it,” Xu Qing retorted.
“Normal people don’t go around hiding identities! Do you?” Qin Hao asked Wang Zijun.
“Nope.”
“See? You’re the one overreacting,” Xu Qing shot back. “She’s been through a lot—no family, no ho, not even proper identification. You should know how bad the shelters can be.”
“…”
“So, yeah, I helped her out. If that’s a cri, go ahead and arrest ,” Xu Qing finished, challenging him with a raised brow.
“Ugh, forget it.” Qin Hao knew arguing further would get him nowhere.
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