Chapter 383: A Kiss to Get the Feeling Back

Love and devotion aren’t just words, they’re proven through actions.

From Fang Hongding’s expression, Xiao Yu could tell that the man had likely known all along about what the Brotherhood did 23 years ago—the rape and murder of his girlfriend.

But for some reason, he neither called the police nor sought revenge, instead suppressing his anger for over two decades.

None of that mattered anymore.

Training grassland wolves to kill, attacking and injuring police officers—these two charges alone sealed Fang Hongding’s fate.

But there were still two crucial questions that needed answers.

Xiao Yu stared at the man lying on the pavement.

“Where are Jiang Huiying and the last wolf?”

Jiang Huiying had been missing for a year—no ID usage, no online banking activity. Too many irregularities. Something about it made Xiao Yu uneasy.

Fang Hongding let out a cold, menacing laugh, forcing out three words through gritted teeth:

“You figure it out.”

Xiao Yu’s gaze remained locked on him, calm and unreadable.

That fleeting smirk of his burned itself into Fang Hongding’s mind, leaving behind the unsettling feeling of being completely seen through.

Just then, Zhao Changshan arrived with reinforcements.

Fang Hongding was taken away.

The team returned to the abandoned courtyard in the shantytown.

Firefighters had already extinguished the flames, though much of the scene had been destroyed. Fortunately, the five dummies and the two wolf corpses remained intact. They also recovered training equipment for wild animals and a small bag of drugs.

The evidence was overwhelming—Fang Hongding had no way out. But the case wasn’t over.

Jiang Huiying—the key suspect—was still missing.

And the grassland wolf that had killed four people in three separate attacks was still unaccounted for.

***

Criminal Investigation Brigade Conference Room

Zhao Changshan stood before the team, his expression solemn.

“Fang Hongding has been arrested, but the missing wolf is extremely dangerous. We must locate it as soon as possible. Also, we need to clarify Jiang Huiying’s exact role in this case. Lastly, the source of Fang Hongding’s drugs is a serious matter, it must be traced and transferred to the Anti-Narcotics Unit.”

He glanced around the room.

“No objections?”

No one spoke. Instead, all eyes turned to Xiao Yu.

Drug cases were big cases, but tracing the supply chain wasn’t usually within Criminal Investigation’s jurisdiction—it was handled by the Anti-Narcotics Unit.

Zhao Changshan’s meaning was clear.

Even if they found leads, the case would ultimately be handed over. They weren’t going to take credit for it. Pushing further would be overstepping.

Criminal Investigation Brigade had already gone beyond its role—taking credit would be excessive.

Nobody had an issue with that.

The real question was—what did Xiao Yu think?

Technically, Zhao Changshan and Zhou Tinghu were in charge. But in reality, the true leader had long since changed.

Xiao Yu usually didn’t interfere in daily matters, he only stepped in when there was a case. That said, his leadership style was direct and aggressive.

Before, the Criminal Investigation Brigade was known for being reckless under Zhao Changshan.

After Xiao Yu took charge?

One word: ruthless.

Every case they handled was major. Even two major cases of national significance had been cracked under his command. The team had become a fearsome force.

A drug case wasn’t even worth their attention.

But if Xiao Yu decided to go all in?

Then, forget handing it off, they’d solve it themselves.

Who cared if it was Anti-Narcotics’ job? Since when was the Criminal Investigation Brigade afraid of anyone in Bincheng City?

Everyone waited for Xiao Yu’s response.

Finally, he spoke.

“I agree with whatever the boss says.”

It was simple. Direct.

That meant no problem. All eyes shifted back to Zhao Changshan.

“Hah.” Zhao Changshan chuckled at the scene, shaking his head at Xiao Yu. “Everyone keeps saying I should just let you take over. I’m starting to feel like a figurehead.”

It wasn’t resentment, just a lighthearted remark.

In any other unit, a Deputy Captain overshadowing his superior would cause serious conflict. But not here. Everyone knew Xiao Yu didn’t care about power, he was here to be a cop, not to climb ranks.

If that weren’t the case, how could a small Criminal Investigation Brigade hold onto a guy like him?

Someone like Xiao Yu belonged in the Provincial Bureau or even Beijing.

Xiao Yu raised an eyebrow, smirking.

“Boss, you’re not trying to set me up, are you? Feels like you just wanna kick back while I do all the work.”

“Hahaha!” Zhao Changshan burst into laughter.

Because Xiao Yu had hit the nail on the head.

Who wouldn’t want a subordinate who did all the work while they reaped the benefits?

The rest of the team laughed along.

This was the Criminal Investigation Brigade. A place where no one schemed or played politics. A place where leaders took responsibility, and teammates had each other’s backs. A unit so tight-knit that nobody ever wanted to leave—even as promotions rained down.

“The case isn’t over yet,” Zhou Tinghu said. “But it’s close. We’ll handle Jiang Huiying and the grassland wolf, go home and rest for a day.”

The others nodded in agreement. Everyone knew Xiao Yu’s wife was seven months pregnant.

It was about time he took a break.

“Alright,” Xiao Yu didn’t argue. “Call me if anything comes up.”

The main suspect was caught, and most of the case details had been confirmed. The remaining work revolved around three things: the missing steppe wolf, Jiang Huiying’s whereabouts, the drug supply chain.

There was no need for him to personally oversee everything.

After working nonstop for over ten days, only going home once, it was time to head back.

***

Back at his apartment, Xiao Yu stood at the door.

As it opened, he locked eyes with Mu Qingwu.

For a moment, neither spoke. They just looked at each other.

“Why so quiet?” Mu Qingwu’s eyes were warm and gentle.

“I don’t know what to say,” Xiao Yu admitted with a grin.

“Really?” Mu Qingwu rolled her eyes at him.

“Yeah.” Xiao Yu nodded seriously. “Sis, why don’t we kiss first and get back into the mood?”

“Pfft—” Mu Qingwu burst into laughter.

“Heh.” Xiao Yu flashed a mischievous yet polite smile. “If one kiss isn’t enough… how about two?”

Mu Qingwu wrapped her arms around his neck, tiptoed up, and kissed him.

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting golden hues.

The scent of flowers filled the air.

Soft whispers were exchanged between them.

Turning simple moments into something romantic.

Because at the end of the day, life is best when spent with you.