Chapter 339: Love, Marriage, and Growing Up

The seaside at dusk was mesmerizing. The sea lay still, reflecting the sky and the setting sun like a flawless mirror.

A young couple walked hand in hand, barefoot on the soft sand.

Xiao Yu gazed at his wife, now fuller in figure with her belly gently rounding with new life. His smile was that of a foolishly happy child.

That happiness, that warmth, that anticipation was written all over his face. There was no need to hide it.

“You’re getting dumber by the day!”

Mu Qingwu shook her head with a smile, her beautiful eyes shimmering with gentle warmth. Her delicate features, bathed in happiness and contentment, were as pure as a snow lotus in bloom.

They were slowly growing in love, slowly growing silly, and slowly growing together.

As long as they had each other, intelligence was an afterthought.

To savor the sweetness, to enjoy the joy—that was enough.

“Sis.”

Xiao Yu suddenly stopped, winking mischievously at Mu Qingwu. “Time for a confession. I’m completely devoted to my sister.”

“Haha…”

Mu Qingwu giggled, covering her mouth as she laughed. “Why call me sister? It sounds so distant. Call me wife.”

“Hahaha…”

Xiao Yu burst into laughter. “Weren’t you the one who begged me to call you that in the first place?”

“And what did you expect?” Mu Qingwu shot him a flirtatious glance, her lips curling into a teasing smile. “Why else would I be with you? It was all for that one special word…”

“Sister!” Xiao Yu called out playfully.

His voice was soft and sweet, laced with an innocent charm that sent a shiver down Mu Qingwu’s spine.

“Ah?!”

Mu Qingwu, still laughing, threw herself into his arms.

Gone was the domineering CEO, the regal queen, the powerful woman. At this moment, she was just a woman, utterly intoxicated by love.

“Since it all started with a single word, let’s make a promise.”

Holding the woman in his arms, Xiao Yu smiled as he gazed at the setting sun. 

“In the passionate times, we’ll be together passionately. In the quiet times, we’ll be together peacefully. If we argue, we’ll argue together. No matter what the future holds, we’ll always be together.”

“Mm.”

Resting her jade-like cheek against his shoulder, Mu Qingwu closed her dreamy eyes, listening to his heartbeat as they watched the sunset together.

“Got it.”

Love, marriage, growing up…

There were always new stories to look forward to.

***

Beijing, Ministry of National Security.

Dressed in full uniform, Xiao Yu stepped out of the director’s office, a small red box in hand.

With a smug grin, he waved it in front of Wang Dong, who was already rolling his eyes. 

“Look, brother. Another first-class merit. Jealous?”

First-class merits weren’t easy to come by. It had taken two major cases in national security just to earn this one.

‘Tsk, what a hassle.’

“You…!” Wang Dong clenched his fists. “Get out of my sight. You’re stepping on my wings, you know that?”

This little brother of his had already won eight first-class merits. Enough to etch his name in police history.

Who wouldn’t envy such glory?

Wang Dong certainly did.

Yet, whenever someone flaunted their achievements, he would lower his head.

Not out of humility, but because he was looking for a brick.

Not that it would help. Even with a weapon, he wasn’t confident he could take Xiao Yu in a fight.

“Brother Wang, do me a favor.”

Xiao Yu suddenly turned serious, tucking away his teasing grin.

‘I know this trick. The moment he puts on that sincere face, he’s got something up his sleeve.’ 

Wang Dong eyed him warily. “What do you want?”

“Some special supplies.” Xiao Yu smirked. “My wife is due in a few months. The guys in our team have been covering for me, pretending not to see me coming in late and leaving early. I feel bad, so I want to get them some cigarettes.”

“No way!” Without hesitation, Wang Dong shook his head and rolled his eyes. “You’re a group leader now. We get a set allocation each month, don’t you know that? If you want more, talk to the boss yourself.”

“Exactly, I need to talk to the boss.” Xiao Yu nodded, flashing a sly grin. “So… can you put in a word for me?”

“You…” Wang Dong nearly cursed out loud. “You just walked out of the boss’s office. Why didn’t you ask him yourself?!”

“I was too nervous, almost pissed myself.” Xiao Yu sighed dramatically. “It totally slipped my mind.”

It was a perfect excuse.

The kind you’d hear in movies. A desperate attempt at self-justification.

In truth, he just hadn’t dared to ask.

Having lived two lives, Xiao Yu was no longer the reckless young man he once was.

At eighteen, his motto had been: I control my own fate.

By the time he reincarnated, his motto had changed to: Please, just let me live in peace.

“Screw you.” Wang Dong shot him the finger. “How are you even shameless enough to ask?”

“So, will you do it or not?”

Dropping the pretense, Xiao Yu gave him a knowing smirk.

“Ah… this…” Wang Dong hesitated.

The Second Group couldn’t function without Xiao Yu.

No. More precisely, they couldn’t function without his problem-solving abilities. Especially given that their focus was on domestic special cases, and they frequently needed his help.

Xiao Yu had him in the palm of his hand.

‘Maybe… it wouldn’t hurt to talk to the boss?’

Of course, it wasn’t about being weak.

It was just how adults operated. You had to give a little to get a little. Right?

“Wait here.”

With one last glare at Xiao Yu, Wang Dong turned and headed back to the director’s office.

You betrayed my trust…

And now I bear the weight of this debt…

The moment I learned the truth, my tears fell…

Watching Wang Dong’s retreating figure, Xiao Yu smirked. He never expected to have a big brother like this in this life.

For all Wang Dong’s complaints, deep down, he was someone who truly cared.

Half an hour later, Wang Dong returned, his face dark. He rolled his eyes. 

“A whole box.”

“Thanks, Brother Wang!” Throwing an arm around Wang Dong’s shoulders, Xiao Yu beamed. “Come on, dinner’s on me. Order whatever you want, I’m feeling generous!”

“Like I need your charity?” Wang Dong scoffed. “But actually… there’s something you could help with. It’s not for me, it’s for the Fifth Group.”

“Sorry, brotherhood aside…” Xiao Yu immediately stepped back, his expression turning serious. “I need to spend time with my wife. Not taking any jobs right now.”

“I wasn’t talking about now.” Wang Dong rolled his eyes at how quickly Xiao Yu switched gears. “It’ll be at least ten days from now.”

“Oh, in that case, say no more.” Xiao Yu grinned. “With great power comes great responsibility. As a policeman, it’s my duty to maintain order and peace.”

Wang Dong, “…”

‘You belong in a circus, don’t you?’