Chapter 29: Tormenting the Dog

“What are you doing?” a voice, as soft and pleasant as drifting clouds, floated from the phone.

Standing atop the crime scene’s residential building, Xiao Yu nearly thought his ears were playing tricks on him. Such tenderness, was Mu Qingwu abducted by extraterrestrials?

“Is my mom by your side?” guessed Xiao Yu.

“Auntie… uh, mother-in-law, wanted me to ask when you’ll be home?” Mu Qingwu’s voice carried a hint of reluctance, “She said if you don’t come back soon… she’ll have your head.”

“Sister, are you being held hostage?” Xiao Yu jested. “If yes, just blink, okay?”

“Haha!” Laughter echoed from the phone, tinged with mock annoyance. “When are you coming home?”

“I can’t make it back for now, got to work overtime.” Xiao Yu glanced towards the setting sun, “Dealing with a pretty tricky case.”

“Oh, I see…” Mu Qingwu paused briefly, “Have you had dinner?”

“Where would I find the time for that?” Xiao Yu replied with a wry smile. 

“You’ll ruin your health.” Mu Qingwu’s voice was gentle, “Where are you? I can order food for you.”

“No need for the trouble.” A warm feeling stirred in his heart, and Xiao Yu smiled, “We can just order some takeout to get by-“

Before he could finish, Mu Qingwu interrupted, “Where are you?”

“Sister, your domineering personality really isn’t endearing,” Xiao Yu rolled his eyes. “I’m at…”

After giving her the address and hanging up the phone, he continued scouring the rooftop for clues.

Another half hour passed. The task force members on the rooftop failed to uncover any useful leads.

Perched on the edge of the roof with his ‘Falcon Eyes’ activated, Xiao Yu noticed traces in the nooks and crannies that had been swept.

Commonly, when there was too much dust, some residue was left in corners and edges, along with broom marks through the dust. Seeing these traces, Xiao Yu’s heart sank.

Who would come to clean the rooftop of a residential building in the dead of winter? 

Xiu’er, is it you?*

With the rooftop dust cleared, any footprints would definitely be gone.

This whole ordeal struck Xiao Yu with a few words, inexplicably impressive.

It was as if a cold snake was slithering across his back, sending a shiver down his spine. This person’s mental fortitude must be incredibly strong to carry out such a heinous crime and then meticulously clean up. It was chilling.

It had the makings of a palace intrigue drama.

But wait… Xiao Yu smacked his forehead. Dwelling on this would only trap him in a loop of confusion. 

When it comes to solving cases, it’s all about simplifying. The more complex the case, the more loopholes to exploit.

He stood up and addressed his team members, “This lead’s a dead end. Let’s go out and eat.”

As everyone descended the stairs, pondering what to eat, a Rolls-Royce pulled into the complex and stopped before them. A woman stepped out of the car.

The team members were captivated, eyes wide.

The woman was a blend of an aunt’s wisdom, a mother’s friend’s allure, and the girl-next-door’s charm, igniting an unexplainable sense of attraction.

Noticing the group of police officers, she maintained her stunning composure and waved to Xiao Yu.

“Huh?” All eyes simultaneously turned to Xiao Yu.

“Um…” Xiao Yu spread his hands, “My wife!”

Everyone was speechless, but they all thought the same thing.

‘Really? You’re so young, and not only do you have a wife, but she’s also this beautiful.’

No, ‘beautiful’ didn’t quite cut it. Beyond her stunning looks and figure, just her aura of nobility and elegance alone could overshadow 99% of other women.

“I told you there was no need to come here.” Approaching Mu Qingwu, Xiao Yu asked, “Aren’t you cold?”

“I just needed some fresh air,” Mu Qingwu shook her head. “My mom and mother-in-law are at our place, it feels a bit crowded.”

That was just an excuse to escape. Xiao Yu instantly understood her true thoughts.

At this moment, the members of the task force also approached.

“These are my colleagues,” Xiao Yu introduced them.

“Hello,” Mu Qingwu smiled. “I’m Mu Qingwu, Xiao Yu’s… wife!”

She meant to say ‘sister’, but somehow ended up saying ‘wife’.

“Hello, hello,” everyone in the task force responded with smiling nods.

“Have you had dinner?” Xiao Yu asked.

Mu Qingwu shook her head.

“Let’s have something to eat together,” Xiao Yu extended his hand.

Mu Qingwu’s hand naturally found its way into Xiao Yu’s.

The group chose a decent restaurant. They ordered some dishes, deliberately avoiding alcohol since drinking was not allowed during work hours. Knowing Mu Qingwu preferred lighter food, Xiao Yu ordered a couple of less oily dishes.

Catching Xiao Yu’s gaze, Mu Qingwu’s eyes curved into crescents, a smile touching her lips.

Perhaps it was hunger, or maybe something else, but she finished a whole bowl of rice. While Xiao Yu chatted and laughed with his colleagues, Mu Qingwu, like a caring wife, occasionally served him food.

Xiao Yu gave her a look and smiled gently.

In response, Mu Qingwu pursed her lips and shot him a playful glare.

A warm and unspoken connection seemed to flow between them. While they didn’t think much of it, the task force members were overwhelmed.

Were they showing off their love just to tease others? Xiao Yu was truly merciless.

The meal ended quickly. After leaving the restaurant, Xiao Yu escorted Mu Qingwu to her car.

“Will you be coming home tonight?” Mu Qingwu’s long eyelashes caught the light, giving her face a warm, glowing radiance.

Xiao Yu pondered for a moment, uncertain, “It’s unlikely. I might be busy until midnight.”

“Oh.” Mu Qingwu acknowledged and got into the car.

Was she upset? Because he wasn’t coming home?

“Um…” Xiao Yu started, “I’ll try my best, but it might be late.”

Mu Qingwu turned her head, her eyes sparkling with life, and replied in a calm tone, “Okay, I understand.”

As Xiao Yu watched the Rolls-Royce drive away, he snapped back to reality and shook his head with a smile.

‘She’s so tsundere!’