Chapter 362: Someone’s Taking a Jab at Me

【Ding, congratulations to the host for solving…】

Leaning back in his chair, Xiao Yu opened his eyes. A happy grin spread across Xiao Yu’s face.

‘Can I go home now?’

Ten hidden locations, Wu Hanran, the Yushen blade… It had been over twenty days by the time the case finally concluded. This was the second time Xiao Yu had spent so long apart from Mu Qingwu.

He missed his wife.

Why wasn’t he going home yet?

Because the big boss announced a meeting with the ten group leaders.

Xiao Yu hated these sorts of meetings. How could any conference compare to being in his wife’s arms?

Being single is tough. Being single for a long time is even tougher.

After more than twenty days without seeing his wife, Xiao Yu was at the point where even if he saw a sow, he’d think it had delicate features. Of course, he only said that to himself—he still had his pride.

Xiao Yu took out his phone.

WeChat chat window:

Xiao Yu: What’re you up to?

Mu Qingwu: I’m pregnant. What else can I do?

Xiao Yu: Sis, maybe you didn’t catch my meaning. “What’re you up to” is basically my way of saying I miss you; I can’t think of a topic, but I still want to talk to you.

Mu Qingwu: Always with the sweet talk… Are you tired?

Xiao Yu: Yeah, I’m done with work, but I can’t head back yet. I gotta meet with Brother Dog King¹ and the others to report to the big boss… By the way, I’m really missing you today, Sister!

Mu Qingwu: Haha… that mouth of yours is dripping honey.

Xiao Yu: Right? Lately I’ve missed my sister so much I feel like I’m pregnant myself.

Mu Qingwu: … A brother can get pregnant? If guys could get pregnant, pigs would climb trees.

Xiao Yu: You don’t even have the most basic faith in me. That’s hurtful. So it’s a plastic couple relationship, huh?

Mu Qingwu: All right, sorry, I believe you.

Xiao Yu: That’s better. Since you apologized so sincerely, I won’t divorce you. But Sis… I haven’t seen you in days; I practically forgot how kissing feels. Do I open my mouth first, or close my eyes first?

Mu Qingwu: Just hurry back and you’ll know. If you’re any slower, early autumn’s gonna turn to late autumn.

Xiao Yu: Exactly. I didn’t get to spend a proper summer with you. I’ll make the most of autumn.

Mu Qingwu: And how will you keep me company?

Xiao Yu: Early autumn should be a bit more relaxed, right? A breeze, a night sky, my sister… We put on flip-flops, and buy a watermelon. Doesn’t that life sound more colorful?

Mu Qingwu: Aren’t you afraid I’ll be wasting your work time?

Xiao Yu: What’s there to fear? Doing what makes us happy can’t be called wasting time. We’re shaping our future, and you’re part of my plan. You’re my little stroke of luck.

Mu Qingwu: I wanna see you act all cute.

Xiao Yu: Got it.

***

Outside the Ministry of National Security building.

Setting down his phone, Xiao Yu couldn’t hide the bliss on his face.

‘Probably, she was feeling the same way right now?’

“Tsk.” Wang Dong pursed his lips and said to the other team leaders, “See? That kid’s never tasted real hardship in life. I’d bet ten years from now, he definitely won’t be smiling like that.”

The others said nothing, only smiling.

“Heh!” Xiao Yu shot Wang Dong a sidelong look. “Middle-aged now, huh, Brother Wang? I bet your waist power isn’t what it used to be, right? Unlike me, I’m at that age where I’m basically an electric little motor.”

Wang Dong, “…”

His face froze like someone had just hit the pause button. That remark obviously insulted men of his age.

‘What did I say to deserve such a put-down?’

“Look at him, guys. Brother Wang wants to eat me alive. Check out that glare, look at his glare!” Xiao Yu hollered, pointing at Wang Dong. “Scared me half to death!”

Seeing Wang Dong’s peculiar expression, a few group leaders nearly burst out laughing; others only shook their heads, smiling. Not long ago, it had been ages since they’d laughed like this.

They all glanced at Xiao Yu, their gazes complicated.

Was he a clown?

Not really. He was simply enjoying life, reveling in little joys, and making others feel lighthearted too. They had to admit, they liked having a Group Ten leader like him. Maybe being under his command wouldn’t be so bad in the future?

“Let’s go,” Zhou Lie said gruffly.

At once, the team leaders put away their smiles and adopted serious expressions, marching into the National Security building.

***

In the main conference room.

“Salute!”

Ten arms rose in unison, saluting the elderly man before them. The old man raised his own arm, returning the salute.

After everyone lowered their arms, the old man’s gaze swept across each face, stopping on Xiao Yu’s. 

“Not bad.”

“…”

Xiao Yu stared straight ahead. Getting a not bad from the big boss? Regular folks would brag about it for the rest of their life.

“‘Not bad’ doesn’t refer to your case-solving skills,” the old man said with a wry smile, still looking at Xiao Yu.

‘Then what is it?’ 

Xiao Yu blinked, not entirely sure but sensing it was something impressive. For whatever reason, the big boss’s tone reminded him of his homeroom teacher back in middle school.

The old man looked away from Xiao Yu and over the room. “So, you’re all in agreement?”

“Yes!” the other nine group leaders answered in unison.

Xiao Yu was confused. What were they talking about? He couldn’t shake the feeling that they were implying something about him.

“Dismissed,” said the old man. Then he gave Xiao Yu one more look before turning and walking out.

The others also gave Xiao Yu a quick glance, nodding and smiling as they left, leaving behind only Wang Dong, whose face wore a weird, gleeful grin.

“You guys are hiding something from me, aren’t you?” Xiao Yu narrowed his eyes, sounding uncertain.

“Hiding what?” Wang Dong came over and draped an arm around his shoulders. “Come on, bro, I’ll treat you to a meal.”

“Don’t give me that.” Xiao Yu stared right at him. “Are you all conspiring to trick me?”

“We’re all proper people. What’s this talk of tricking?” Wang Dong said righteously, spouting nonsense. “The big boss just asked if we were satisfied with you as Group Ten leader. Of course we’re satisfied.”

‘Brother Dog King is lying, but I have no proof.’ Xiao Yu let out a cold chuckle. “Can’t tell me?”

“As the saying goes, ‘Heaven grows jealous of talent.’” Wang Dong bared his teeth in a grin. “So maybe it’s better for a person to be a bit foolish, it’s an easier life, right?”

“This morning, I opened the pigpen door, and the old sow bolted off at eighty miles an hour. Bang. Crashed into a tree and died.” Xiao Yu snorted. “Any idea why?”

Wang Dong, “…”

‘I get the feeling he’s cursing me out.’

In the end, Xiao Yu failed to get anything out of Wang Dong. The next day, still puzzling over the matter, he stepped through security and left. Wang Dong watched his younger comrade’s retreating figure, imagining a future scene. Maybe in twenty years—or just a little over ten—this same younger brother would be sitting in the big boss’s seat.