Chapter 86 — Seen Right Through
Years of Heartflutter · Page 1 of 3
What was she supposed to do now? If she told Chen Fei about today's events, she could stay on the force—that much was true, she would be safe. But once this case was over, she might not even have a police badge anymore.
Chen Fei definitely wouldn't let her off easy. Carrying out an investigation on her own while suspended, and stirring up such a massive mess—he might well transfer her out of the police altogether.
Xia Xue's head throbbed. She had no idea what to do. She stared blankly at Yang Ce. "So what am I supposed to do?"
"You got yourself into this mess, and you're asking me what to do?" Yang Ce found it rather amusing. "Honestly, Xia Xue, can't you think about the consequences before you do things? Carry on like this, and sooner or later you'll land yourself in real trouble."
"Carry on like what? You're the one who carries on!" Xia Xue flushed. She clearly understood what that phrase meant—one of the standing regulations was "no improper relations between men and women," so naturally she knew what he was implying.
"Improper relations with who? You and I are together right now—if I were to have improper relations, it could only be with you," Yang Ce teased with a grin.
"You're awful," Xia Xue scolded, though her mood had improved considerably.
Only when he saw the smile return to Xia Xue's face did Yang Ce breathe a sigh of relief. He had genuinely worried this foolish girl might get stuck in her own head and spiral. He had said all that on purpose to cheer her up.
"Well? Feeling better?" Yang Ce asked.
"Mm." Xia Xue blinked, then understood his meaning. "Thank you."
"Thank me for what? I haven't given you a single idea yet." Yang Ce looked at her with amusement. "Forget it. My guess is Wang Pu will likely make his move against you within the next couple of days. I might as well see this through to the end—so don't leave my side. If he dares send anyone, I'll send them packing for him."
"You—" Xia Xue's eyes widened. She looked at Yang Ce, half-believing.
"What about me? Did you forget that time in the corridor? I had the better of you," Yang Ce said.
"Nonsense, you cheated—you grabbed my leg and wouldn't let go," Xia Xue said, flustered.
"Never mind that. You weren't strong enough. A loss is a loss—what's with all the excuses?" Yang Ce said with a curl of his lip.
"Hmph. If we fought again, I definitely wouldn't lose to you," Xia Xue said, unconvinced.
"Sure, then let's give it a try. But let's get one thing straight—if I win, then from now on you'll be the one treating me to meals, and our previous agreement is void." Yang Ce seized the chance to lay out his terms. "You dare take the bet?"
"What's there to be afraid of? Fine. If I lose, I'll be the one paying from now on." Xia Xue thought to herself that at the very least she should be able to fight him to a draw—that way it wouldn't count as a loss, and Yang Ce would still have to treat.
In truth, Xia Xue's family was not short of money. But because she had insisted on becoming a criminal investigator, she had fallen out with the old man at home. Now she was living independently, and the old man gave her not a single cent. On top of that, she was renting an apartment, and a woman always has plenty of things to spend money on. Though she wore a uniform every day—saving a good deal on clothes—cosmetics, skincare, and the like were unavoidable, so every month she had to budget carefully.
As a result, going out to eat and drink every month had become a luxury expense. Xia Xue had finally found herself a "long-term meal ticket" in Yang Ce—how could she let him slip away so easily?
Still, she was unwilling to admit that Yang Ce's martial skills were superior to her own. Prodded like that, she immediately refused to back down.