Chapter 46: Dude, Watch Your Words

Xiao Yu steered clear of the fugitive’s case. As for the corpse theft case… 

Xiao Yu glanced at the sky, internally cursing.

Forget it, he’d investigate tomorrow. Venturing to the crematorium at night was akin to asking for trouble. 

It was widely acknowledged that places like cemeteries and crematoriums were best avoided after dark, for the sake of one’s mental and physical well-being.

This marked the first occasion Xiao Yu clocked out on time since joining the Criminal Investigation Brigade. Would his colleagues, all caught up in overtime work, resent his early departure?

Please, there was no drama. 

Despite being the youngest, Xiao Yu’s knack for cracking cases was well recognized. Everyone was keen on sharing the spoils.

The buzz around the office this afternoon hinted that Xiao Yu’s promotion to team leader wasn’t far off, with three team member slots up for grabs. 

Guo Qiang, leveraging his past role as Xiao Yu’s ‘master,’ secured one of those slots for himself.

The competition for the remaining two spots was fierce, nearly coming to blows. Most who entered the police force did so fueled by a fervent zeal. Yet, the opportunity to advance while solving cases added a sweetener to the deal.

Aside from an outlier like Xiao Yu, who wouldn’t be drawn to him?

Everyone was well aware of Xiao Yu’s prowess. Who wouldn’t want to be in his circle?

Was it really that embarrassing for a bunch of veterans to look up to someone younger? When someone has the capacity to boost your career and income, does their age really matter?

To them, he was akin to a benefactor.

***

The journey home was far from smooth. Xiao Yu took the bus. 

Fresh out of the police academy, he didn’t have his own car. His father had considered buying him one, but Xiao Yu declined. He believed it was better to save his parents’ earnings for their retirement. He was determined to make his own way.

Moreover, living with Mu Qingwu meant he had few worries about daily necessities. Aside from the lack of personal transportation for outings, there wasn’t much need for spending.

Arriving at home… at Mu Qingwu’s villa, it was empty.

Truth be told, Xiao Yu didn’t know much about this sister. With such brief acquaintance and even shorter interactions, understanding her was challenging.

He pulled out his phone and called Mu Qingwu.

“What’s the matter?” came Mu Qingwu’s cool, authoritative voice from the phone.

“I finished work early today, so I was thinking of cooking,” Xiao Yu said, “Anything particular you’re craving?”

He had promised to pursue her. A true man keeps his word.

“Whatever you make will be fine,” Mu Qingwu’s voice softened considerably, “Oh, by the way, I bought you a car. It’ll be delivered tomorrow.”

Xiao Yu, “…”

He suddenly felt like he was living off someone else. The astute detective-in-training, Xiao Yu, instantly zeroed in on this pressing issue.

“I know you can’t drive a luxury car to work,” Mu Qingwu mistook his silence for concern over this and explained, “It’s an SUV model, seemed like a good fit for you. It’s just three to four hundred thousand, consider it a small gift from your sister.”

Three to four hundred thousand…just?!

Xiao Yu’s lips twitched involuntarily.

Next to his wealthy sister, he couldn’t help feeling a bit underwhelming.

For a person of his transcendent status, life seemed a tad grim.

“When will you be back for dinner?” Xiao Yu asked.

“In a bit, I’m almost done,” Mu Qingwu responded with a light laugh, “I guess I haven’t come home this early in years.”

After ending the call, Xiao Yu hummed a tune on his way to buy groceries. For two people, there was no need for an extravagant meal. Two dishes and a soup would suffice.

By the time he finished cooking and Mu Qingwu returned, the atmosphere felt complete. 

They shared a meal with smiles, yet afterward, sitting together in the living room, both found themselves at a loss for words. Their relationship was awkward, to say the least. Legally married yet practically strangers, not quite lovers but sharing a living space.

Noticing the weariness on Mu Qingwu’s face, Xiao Yu offered a gesture that was part instinct, part offer of comfort, and she nestled closer in response.

“It’s not a hug I’m offering, but a massage,” Xiao Yu quipped, lightening the mood.

“Ah?” 

A blush spread across Mu Qingwu’s exquisite features as she found herself lying across her younger brother’s lap, his hands skillfully easing the tension from her forehead and shoulders.

The comfort she felt was undeniable.

As Xiao Yu massaged, he couldn’t help but reflect on the power of beauty. Of all strategies, beauty is the most potent weapon against men. While beauty itself breaks no laws, exploiting it to lead others into temptation to break the law strays into moral ambiguity.

Mu Qingwu was indeed this kind of beauty.

“Sister, what’s your profession?” Xiao Yu asked.

“Capital finance,” Mu Qingwu responded without opening her eyes.

“Impressive,” Xiao Yu expressed his surprise. To be associated with ‘capital’ in company terms suggests dealing in figures no less than a billion. His sister was truly a heavyweight.

“Quite wealthy?” he asked offhandedly.

Mu Qingwu replied nonchalantly, “Over a hundred billion.”

Xiao Yu, “…”

Is there any room left for simple pleasures?

Noticing that Mu Qingwu’s face bore no trace of joking, Xiao Yu internally unleashed a curse. Thunder rolled and his scalp tingled as if he was living in a fantasy. Here he was, thinking his police career was a mere waste of time compared to the bricks he could be moving on a construction site.

“Actually…” Mu Qingwu opened her eyes, her gaze settling on the dumbfounded Xiao Yu. A mischievous smile graced her stunning visage. “If you were to divorce me now, brother, you’d be entitled to half of my wealth. Have you considered it?”

Xiao Yu, “…”

Hold on, watch your words brother.

My mother would have my head!