Chapter 150: Fly Away, From South to North

“There are still many details of the case that need further investigation. That mother and son won’t be executed anytime soon. Even if they wanted to go to the execution ground early, it’s not possible. They’ll stay in prison for a while… you understand what I mean. This time, our province’s police system owes you a big favor. If you need anything, just say the word. As for the credit for solving this case, sorry, our provincial police system isn’t qualified to give it to you. Apparently, the bigwigs in the capital are discussing it. Your contribution is too significant. Lastly… Thank you!”

After finishing the call with Qian Long, the captain of S County’s criminal investigation team, Xiao Yu put down his phone and lay back in the recliner, enjoying a massage from Mu Qingwu’s delicate hands.

He felt like a naughty brother being pampered by a good sister, or a beloved son being spoiled by a doting mother.

Life was truly wonderful. Just perfect. 

“Get up, you’re a grown man and still bullying your wife, making her serve you. Do you believe I won’t beat you?” Liu Yunqing glared at her son, her maternal authority still intact.

Xiao Shengguo, who was barbecuing in the villa courtyard, grinned. While turning the meat, he watched his son get scolded and felt a bit of glee.

Zhou Xuelan, with a loving smile, looked at her two youngest children, overjoyed. In the past, as the children grew older, she always worried about her daughter’s marriage. Who would have thought she’d find not only a good match but also a child from a close family friend?

Now, seeing her youngest children so in love, Zhou Xuelan’s eyes glistened with tears of happiness.

Raising her eyes to the clear sky, Zhou Xuelan seemed to see her late husband’s smiling face. 

‘Don’t worry, our daughter has found a good man and will be happy.’

Xiao Yu, after being scolded by his mom, couldn’t continue pestering his sister and had to help his dad with the barbecue. Mu Qingwu joined her mother and mother-in-law, carrying some utensils. It was rare for both families to gather together. Laughter frequently filled the air.

The warmth of family brought smiles to everyone’s faces. 

Too bad, the bosses only gave two days off. They’d have to go back to work tomorrow. 

Smiling, Xiao Yu carried the barbecue to the three matriarchs.

“Mom, do you remember the things you used to scare me with when I was little?” Xiao Yu said with a mischievous grin while eating the grilled meat.

Every kid had memories of being told by their parents that they were picked up from a trash can or given away with a phone recharge, often resulting in terrified tears. The difference was that Xiao Yu, being a transmigrator, had a child’s body but an adult’s intelligence at the time.

Hearing her son’s words, Liu Yunqing blushed and gave her son a fierce look, as if to say: If you dare say it out loud, I’ll discipline you right here and now. 

“Pfft!” Xiao Shengguo couldn’t help but laugh, his face full of nostalgic expression.

What happened back then? 

His wife had scared their five-year-old son by saying: “If you don’t behave, I’ll send you to the public restroom. Your dad and I found you there, so we can just pick another one.”

To which five-year-old Xiao Yu had replied: “Wow, Mom, you’re amazing. How did you turn poop into a baby?”

After that, his wife had chased their son around the house, trying to spank the cheeky boy, and it had been quite a lively scene.

Mu Qingwu and Zhou Xuelan exchanged curious glances.

Xiao Yu had secretly told his sister, who then shared it with their mom.

Both families burst into uncontrollable laughter.

“I’m getting old, can’t hit you as hard anymore.” An embarrassed Liu Yunqing playfully hit her son a few times, her eyes full of affection. She pinched Xiao Yu’s ear and laughed, “From now on, I’ll let your wife deal with you.”

“My wife wouldn’t bear to,” Xiao Yu said proudly, turning to look at Mu Qingwu.

The couple exchanged playful glances.

The elders rolled their eyes, finishing their meal and preparing to leave. 

Even though they were their own children, they weren’t interested in this public display of affection.

In the afternoon, Xiao Yu and his father reluctantly accompanied the three women on a shopping trip. They silently mourned for their legs.

As men, they could never understand the point of shopping. Why not just buy a couple of outfits to wear? Why ask around, pick and choose, clearly like something, and then move on to the next store?

“Dad, how did you manage all these years?” Xiao Yu asked sympathetically, carrying numerous shopping bags.

“…” Xiao Shengguo’s expression shifted constantly before he sighed. “Your mom practiced Sanda.”

“Pfft!” Xiao Yu immediately understood and burst out laughing. 

Thankfully, his sister didn’t know martial arts.

But as he laughed, his smile faded. She might not know kung fu, but his sister was smart and had an active imagination. Remembering last night’s scene, Xiao Yu’s face turned pale.

You know, what if one night while he was sleeping, his sister imagined something bad? Could she go to the kitchen, grab a knife, and chop him up?

Xiao Yu shivered.

Both father and son seemed to have thought of something bad. They exchanged glances and almost hugged each other, crying in sympathy.

‘We men have it so rough!’

***

Good times always pass quickly. The parents left.

Exhausted, Xiao Yu lay on the sofa, watching Mu Qingwu happily rummage through the shopping bags.

“Sis, I’ve realized you girls are all liars,” Xiao Yu pouted.

“What did I lie about?” Mu Qingwu turned her charming face, her eyes laughing and glistening as she looked at her mischievous brother.

“Every time you say we’re just going for a quick look and will be back soon,” Xiao Yu complained, “but we end up spending half the day out and come back with tons of stuff.”

“Is that so?” Mu Qingwu giggled. “If that’s the case, then you boys are liars too.”

“What do you mean?” Xiao Yu looked puzzled. 

When had he ever lied to his sister?

“Every time we go to bed, you always say, ‘Just hold me, I won’t do anything else,’” Mu Qingwu looked at her brother with eyes that seemed to see through his biggest lies. “And what happens?”

“Uh, well…” Xiao Yu blushed. “Sis, let me explain… no, I mean, let me defend myself. It’s not a lie. It’s a well-intentioned fib.”

“Heh!” Mu Qingwu sneered, ignoring her brother and continuing to sift through the fashion bags.

No matter how much money they had, girls always loved beauty. Especially in front of the one they love, they wanted to show their best side.

But when she saw a schoolgirl uniform in one of the bags, shyness crept onto her flawless face. She was already 28 years old, how could she wear such clothes? Yet, her heart couldn’t resist her brother’s pleading eyes.

Gentle arms wrapped around her.

The shyness faded, and a dreamy light filled Mu Qingwu’s beautiful eyes. 

Could she really not refuse him? No.

It was every time she saw that his eyes were filled only with her. At that moment, her heart couldn’t help but want to follow him, to fly away together, from south to north.