[Stop staring at me like that... you creep!]
'Can you blame me? Since when do kids hang out at the Public Security Bureau pretending to be officers?'
The system's alert pulled Ye Qingfeng from his thoughts. He looked up just in time to meet Qingyi's narrowed eyes. Though he quickly averted his gaze, the damage was already done.
"So you're the one who played hero and broke your precious family heirloom in the process."
Qingyi didn't bother hiding her scrutiny as her eyes swept over Ye Qingfeng. A flicker of suspicion passed through her gaze.
She'd just finished interrogating the robber and heard his version of events.
The whole "family heirloom" story felt fabricated, yet she couldn't figure out his motive.
He had genuinely stopped the criminal. If this was a scam, why go through all that trouble? And who would be bold enough to try swindling a police officer?
"Um... Senior Qingyi?"
Zhu Yan's voice cut through Qingyi's contemplation.
"Ah... My apologies. I was distracted for a moment."
Qingyi offered Ye Qingfeng a perfunctory nod before taking a seat across from them.
"Sir, would you mind showing us this damaged heirloom? The Public Security Bureau will make every effort to have it restored."
Her eyes remained locked on Ye Qingfeng, searching for any tell in his expression.
Ye Qingfeng found the whole situation absurd. Who was this child? Some higher-up's daughter? Was Zhu Yan forced to address her as "senior" under pressure?
Some things never change, no matter what world you're in.
"Senior Qingyi... I'm afraid the heirloom was completely shattered when Ye Qingfeng tackled the robber. It's beyond repair."
Zhu Yan seemed oblivious to Qingyi's implications. Her face showed genuine remorse as she answered first.
While Zhu Yan spoke, Qingyi continued studying Ye Qingfeng, noting his complete lack of nervousness.
Normally, she would have dropped it by now, but something about this man felt off. She pressed further:
"What happened to the fragments then?We need to examine them for official documentation."
"Senior Qingyi, that's not standard procedure for our department."
Zhu Yan was no fool. Having worked with Qingyi for some time, she recognized her skepticism. Though a sliver of doubt crept into her own mind, one look at Ye Qingfeng's calm demeanor made her push it aside as she frowned slightly.
Ye Qingfeng also sensed the officer's distrust. Just as he prepared to defend himself, the reception room door swung open.
"The commendation banner and reward for Mr. Ye Qingfeng."
Another officer entered, carrying a red banner and a bank card.
"Zhu Yan, I'm heading out. Don't stay too late."
Seeing the interruption, Qingyi had no choice but to table her suspicions. After all, they were just a hunch. She waved goodbye to Zhu Yan, but not before throwing one last warning glance at Ye Qingfeng.
"See you tomorrow, Senior Qingyi."
Only when Qingyi had fully disappeared did Zhu Yan relax. Turning back to Ye Qingfeng, she felt a pang of guilt.
He'd gone out of his way to help her catch the robber. Why would anyone try to scam a police officer?
Even if it was a scheme, what would he gain? A few extra Denny?
"Mr. Ye Qingfeng, please accept this banner. The card contains your reward of 300,000 Denny. It's not much..." The officer presented the items respectfully, then added diplomatically, "Regulations limit the reward to 15% of the stolen amount recovered."
'This isn't right! Qingfeng lost his family heirloom!'
By now, Zhu Yan was completely convinced about the heirloom. Since she rarely handled case closures, she wasn't familiar with the specific rules. 300,000 Denny was substantial but compared to a family heirloom? It felt completely inadequate. He must be devastated.
She'd made him a promise, yet couldn't deliver. The guilt weighed heavily on her.
Zhu Yan stole a glance at Ye Qingfeng's face and saw the strained smile as he accepted the items.
Just as she feared... He's putting on a brave face.
Ye Qingfeng's disappointment was genuine. Anyone would feel disheartened seeing a child wield such authority in a police station.
His main goal had simply been to get closer to Zhu Yan. The entire performance was just to make a good first impression.
[Ding! Zhu Yan's favorability has increased by 10%. Current favorability: 35%]
When the system notification echoed in his mind, he nearly broke character. Biting back a real smile, he maintained his bittersweet expression.
Ye Qingfeng acknowledged the officer with a nod before carefully storing the banner and bank card.
"Ye Qingfeng, would you mind waiting for me at the entrance? I'll just change and meet you there."
Zhu Yan hadn't forgotten her promise to see him home. After urging her colleague to rest, she hurried toward the changing room.
"Thank you for your hard work, officer."
Ye Qingfeng bid a polite farewell to the dazed-looking officer before heading out.
The moment Ye Qingfeng left, the previously confused officer's eyes lit up with excitement. Looking like he'd struck gossip gold, he dashed out to share the news with his night-shift colleagues.
No doubt Zhu Yan would face questions about her "relationship progress" with Ye Qingfeng tomorrow.
The New Eridu night stretched like an ink-washed canvas, the hazy moonlight weaving silver through the cool breeze that whispered through the streets.
Ye Qingfeng stood motionless at the station entrance, his mind adrift as he stared into the expansive sky.
Since arriving in this city called New Eridu, he'd always felt like an outsider—unfamiliar faces, unknown streets, everything foreign.
Only when gazing at this night sky, identical to the one from his memories, did he feel anchored to reality.
Still in her uniform, Zhu Yan spotted his silhouette through the glass doors. Quickening her pace, she emerged to find him standing foolishly in the cold wind.
"What are you doing standing out here? You should've waited inside where it's warm!"
A chill gust made her hug her jacket tighter as she called out to him.
"Just... remembering things."
Collecting himself, Ye Qingfeng turned to find Zhu Yan looking at him like he'd grown a second head. Though puzzled by her expression, he offered a simple explanation.
"I see..." Zhu Yan lowered her gaze momentarily before murmuring, "They must be important memories."
"Yeah..."
Important indeed... those ten long, miserable years...
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