ushernet Chapter 54: No relatives or friends
Chapter 54: No relatives or friends
Chapter 54: No relatives or friends
At the beginning of December, the city welcomed its first snow after two weeks of brewing.
The outside was freezing cold, while indoors felt like spring—this was Jiang City. The northern heating system was truly a remarkable invention, far superior to the old woodstoves or heated brick beds.
“Don’t open the door for strangers. Actually, unless it’s me, don’t open the door for anyone. Pretend no one’s home, even if it’s my dad knocking.”
As Xu Qing adjusted his outfit, he left these instructions. Jiang He, sitting at the computer, was engrossed in a game, giving no indication whether they’d heard him.
“Did you hear me?”
“Yeah, I heard you.”
“Okay, I’m leaving. If you’re hungry, make yourself something to eat.”
Xu Qing glanced at the snowflakes drifting outside. After some hesitation, he grabbed a scarf and wrapped it around his neck. With one final reminder, he stepped out the door, just as Jiang He was starting to show signs of impatience.
It was almost like raising a daughter... Being a doting father sure was satisfying.
Ever since Jiang He moved in, Xu Qing’s social life had dwindled significantly. He spent most of his time at home playing—no, teaching Jiang He basic life skills. His friends found it odd—Xu Wenbin found it especially so.
It was like a passionate angler suddenly abandoning his fishing rod for figurines, turning from an outdoor enthusiast into a homebody. Suspicious, to say the least.
Xu Qing had prepared a solid and truthful explanation: “I got a girlfriend. Why would I hang out with you guys instead of staying home?”
As for visiting his old place, he decided to handle that when it was time to pay rent, hoping to negotiate for a discount or even waive it entirely.
Today, though, he had plans with Qin Hao and the gang—dinner and a little maneuvering to turn Qin Hao into an ally for some future schemes.
Jiang City Plaza
Xu Qing stepped out of the cab in front of the hotpot restaurant. Just as he was about to send a WeChat message, a black Cadillac pulled up. The window rolled down to reveal Wang Zijun, one hand on the wheel, the other casually resting on the window frame as he struck a cocky pose.
“Looking sharp, huh?”
“...”
Xu Qing glanced around, unwillingly admitting that this nouveau riche friend could pull it off. “Where’s your BMW?”
“People said it made me look like a show-off, so I switched.”
“Oh... What are you going to lay eggs in this time?”
Wang Zijun shrugged, reversed into a parking space, and hopped out, hunching his shoulders against the biting cold of December.
“I don’t get it—why pick a snowy day like this? Wouldn’t it be better to stay home cuddling your girlfriend?” he complained.
“Haozi doesn’t have a girlfriend.”
“Oh, right.”
“Stop overthinking. This guy became a cop, and now he thinks everyone’s a criminal,” Xu Qing remarked, shooting a glance at Wang Zijun.
“Fine, I’ll tell you. It’s... complicated. That girl? I’ve known her for a while. She used to do odd jobs and had it rough. Wang Zijun, you’ve met her before.”
“Me? Oh, the one you brought last time?” Wang Zijun nodded, curious. “What’s the deal with her?”
“He’s convinced she’s a criminal.”
“I never said that! It’s you acting suspicious that got me thinking. If it were anyone else, I wouldn’t care.” Qin Hao grumbled, slightly embarrassed but resolute in his belief that something didn’t add up.
“Oh, so you’re a protagonist detective, and I’m the villainous mastermind. We’ve known each other since childhood, destined to clash in an epic battle of wits,” Xu Qing quipped with a smirk.
“But guess what? This isn’t a novel. I’m just a law-abiding citizen, and you’re a community officer. Can we drop the drama already?”
“Enough nonsense. What’s her story?” Qin Hao pressed.
“She has no family or ties here, and I felt sorry for her, so I took her in as my girlfriend.”
“Pfft!”
Wang Zijun nearly spat out his tea. “That’s what you call normal?”
“Yes. Why isn’t it?” Xu Qing replied, deadpan.
“...Fine, but why did you call her your sister?” Qin Hao wasn’t letting it go.
“To protect her identity.”
“...!”
Wang Zijun stopped himself from sipping tea just in time. Was Xu Qing being honest or just pulling their leg?
“Are you admitting it?” Qin Hao squinted suspiciously.
“I never denied it,” Xu Qing retorted.
“Normal people don’t go around hiding identities! Do you?” Qin Hao asked Wang Zijun.
“Nope.”
“See? You’re the one overreacting,” Xu Qing shot back. “She’s been through a lot—no family, no home, not even proper identification. You should know how bad the shelters can be.”
“...”
“So, yeah, I helped her out. If that’s a crime, go ahead and arrest me,” Xu Qing finished, challenging him with a raised brow.
“Ugh, forget it.” Qin Hao knew arguing further would get him nowhere.