Ye Qingfeng's gaze swept over Zhu Yuan with discreet appreciation. Her uniform, a deep navy blue, was impeccably tailored to her frame, the fabric stretching taut in all the right places. A black cloak draped from her shoulders, its golden epaulets catching the fading light like miniature suns - symbols of duty and honor that suited her perfectly.
Standing at nearly 175 centimeters, she carried herself with natural grace. The leather trousers she wore did nothing to hide the powerful musculature of her legs, while the utility belt cinched around her waist emphasized its slenderness. Despite the uniform's practical nature, it couldn't completely conceal her generous curves.
Absolute perfection, he thought, giving her legs one last appreciative glance. Ten out of ten.
"Every officer in Public Security shares this duty," she replied, her voice firm yet not unkind. "My name is Zhu Yuan."
"New Eridu is fortunate to have dedicated officers like you," Ye Qingfeng said, his tone sincere.
[Ding! Zhu Yuan's favorability increased by 5%. Current favorability: 15%]
A genuine smile touched Zhu Yuan's lips. "Mr. Ye Qingfeng, if you'd accompany me to the station, I'll see that you receive the civil commendation award personally."
As she turned to deal with the criminal, her expression hardened into professional severity. The transition was so abrupt that the handcuffed man muttered under his breath, "Does she have a switch for that?"
"Your efficiency is impressive, Officer Zhu Yuan," Ye Qingfeng remarked.
"Does it seem that way? I hope I didn't alarm you," she responded, her tone softening again.
They fell into step beside each other, their conversation flowing with unexpected ease. To any observer, they might have appeared as a couple enjoying an evening stroll - if one ignored the sulking criminal trailing between them.
"If you hadn't been chasing this fellow, would you be off duty by now?"
Zhu Yuan sighed, the sound carrying both weariness and amusement. "Maybe I would have but this one certainly gave me a proper workout."
Zhu Yuan turned to study him more closely. His casual clothes hung well on his frame, and his features possessed a refined quality that seemed at odds with his claimed circumstances. More importantly, she found his company unexpectedly comfortable - the kind of easy rapport she rarely experienced.
He'd actually make quite a suitable... She cut the thought short, feeling warmth bloom in her cheeks.
Noticing she'd fallen behind, Ye Qingfeng turned to find Zhu Yuan standing motionless, her face tilted toward the ground as if fascinated by the pavement. The uncharacteristic shyness stirred something in him.
"Zhu Yuan?" he called softly, closing the distance between them. "Officer Zhu Yuan?"
Her head snapped up, their eyes meeting in a moment of unexpected intensity that lasted just a heartbeat too long before they both glanced away.
[Ding! Zhu Yuan's favorability increased by 5%. Current favorability: 20%]
The criminal, witnessing the exchange, rolled his eyes so hard it seemed they might detach. Unbelievable. I'm getting arrested while these two play out some romance novel scene?
"Earlier..." Zhu Yuan began, composing herself with visible effort. "You used my given name?"
"If it's too familiar, I apologize," Ye Qingfeng said, his gaze darting away as he rubbed the back of his neck. "Though I wouldn't mind if you called me Qingfeng as well..."
"Qingfeng..." The name left her lips in a breathy whisper, barely audible.
Ye Qingfeng was beginning to understand the duality of Zhu Yuan's nature - the consummate professional who could subdue criminals with ruthless efficiency one moment, and the surprisingly vulnerable woman who blushed at casual familiarity the next.
The remainder of their walk passed in comfortable silence, both unconsciously matching their pace to the other's. The Public Security building loomed ahead, its stark architecture a contrast to their growing ease with each other.
After delegating the criminal processing to other officers, Zhu Yuan returned to where Ye Qingfeng waited. "Let me show you to the reception area. The paperwork and award shouldn't take long."
Normally she'd be in the interrogation room herself, but something about Ye Qingfeng made her want to ensure he felt comfortable in the unfamiliar environment. Perhaps she already considered him more than just a civilian she'd met in the line of duty.
The truth was, beneath her capable exterior lay the same loneliness that haunted many in this city - the empty apartment waiting after long shifts, the parents she rarely saw, their gentle but persistent inquiries about her finding someone...
Her colleagues were friends, yes, but they moved in the same professional circles. With Ye Qingfeng, she felt she could simply be herself, without the weight of her badge.
"It would be my pleasure," Ye Qingfeng responded, his demeanor the picture of polite cooperation.
He played his part flawlessly - the model citizen, helpful and unassuming. No one would suspect his recent past or the fabricated nature of his "family heirloom."
A pang of guilt pricked at his conscience. Deceiving someone this genuine... I'm truly the worst.
Well then, he resolved, the least I can do is make sure she gets some impressive arrests out of this. Maybe I'll stumble across some criminal activity worth her attention.
-------
A/n: New content posted on my patreon go check it out!
patreon.com/deadlygoober