A world with you

by OOU09

Summary:

AU ZhaoYu detectives

There has been an unexplainable phenomenon on Blackwater street. Multiple Murder has occurred recently on Blackwater street.

Why can’t the police hurry and find the culprit already?

No clues or evidence useful to the police were left at the scene.
Each murder was executed differently than the other.
And the victims were all scums, who has been arrested for attempted assault, attempted SA, violence against their own wives, attempted kidnapping, attempted murder.

Notes:

Hello everyone..
I have never wrote a fanfic in my life but Mu Gua Huang my goddess had awakened the urge to write!

I’ve only ever wrote essays, lab reports and results…I advise you if your thinking of majoring in Biology DONT it’s not worth it you’ll only find an empty wallet that has a hole like the hole in my heart.

Chapter 1

 

---

“Next Stop, Blackwater Street—— “ Bustling crowd’s chatter, mixed with the echoing chirping from crickets. Today the temperature has risen to an impressive 37.5°F. People gathered under shaded spots or retreated inside a shop with an air conditioner running at full level to relieve themselves from the brutal summer heat.

A little girl with round cheeks waved her toy fan around, trying to cool herself down from the summer heat. She violently shakes the toy fan in the air, displeasure written all over her face. It was a pity that she didn’t know that her thumb was only a quarter of an inch away from the button to turn it on.

The bus’s automatic door opens as it arrives at its destination, Blackwater Street. Only three passengers got off at Blackwater Street. The rest of the Passengers seated on the bus didn’t dare to get off.

“Give it here.” A cold voice rang from behind the little girl, still waving her toy fan around. She turned around and looked up at the tall figure standing before her. Mindlessly stared in a daze at the cold-faced Big Brother. His long black hair reached his eyelids with delicate features and a mole beneath his right eye.

This big brother’s entire presence could only be described as breathtaking. Before the little girl can react to the sudden appearance of a pretty big brother standing behind her, he carefully takes the toy fan out of her small, chubby hands, presses the red button on the handle, and returns it to her. This was all done within a swift motion.

Her eyes glimmered with joy, the refreshing cool wind coming from the toy fan in her hands. She smiled brightly. “Thank you, Gege!” Her eyes wandered around for the big brother who had disappeared. She soon manages to spot the pretty big brother in the crowd. The little girl watched intently as his figure got swallowed by the sea of people.

A middle-aged auntie came out of the shop, noticing a familiar figure in the distance. But she didn’t greet him like usual ‘Xiao Yu! You came to see your Aunt Mei again?’ She stared in silence, her eyes filled with pity. Noticing her gaze, Xie Yu gave her a small nod.

—-ring

—ring

 

Xie Yu answers his phone while navigating through the sea of people. “Hello, Boss Xie, have you arrived yet?” It was Zhou Dalei.

Xie Yu “Hmm, I’m first going to see Aunt Mei.”
Zhou Dalei: “Okay, I saved my allowance and bought a new gaming console. Come over later and let’s play.”

Xie Yu: “En-“ He was suddenly interrupted by the yelling coming from the other end.
“Ah! Mom!”

“What are you doing squatting over here? Come over and help me and your dad!”

“Wait, ah! I’m calling someone!”

“Calling who?”

“Xie- Yu- ah! He just got here!”
“Xiao Yu?—— “When Aunt Zhou heard his name, her voice became gentler. The rest of their conversation wasn’t audible.

Zhou Dalei: “My mom asked if you wanted to stay for the night.”
Xie Yu: “Sure.”

…

“Zhao Ge!” Shen Jie cried out, desperately chasing down the individual called ‘Zhao Ge”. “Zhao Ge!! I beg you, walk slower! My legs are so tired that I feel like they're going to fall off!” Shen Jie pleaded, his hair soaked in sweat, adjusting his glasses. He regretted wearing an expensive suit, which was inconvenient to run in.

While chasing down ‘Zhao Ge’, Shen Jie accidentally bumps into someone. “Fuck!” Shen Jie cursed as he fell face-first onto the pavement. He tries to prop himself up, but as he does, he sees that the someone he had run into was his ‘Zhao Ge’.

‘Zhao Ge’ clicked his tongue. “Assistant Shen, how come I hired a clumsy assistant like you?” He asked, offering a hand to him. Shen Jie embarrassingly accepted the helping hand. “I’m sorry.” He apologized, standing straight up before, doing an earnest 90- degree bow.

‘Zhao Ge”: “It’s okay, it’s okay. I’m not only handsome, I’m also magnanimous.”

Truly admirable, shamelessly praising himself twice in a single sentence.

Shen Jie: “…” He has lost count of how many times he has wanted to quit being this shameless bastard’s assistant.

 

Shen Jie looked at his ‘Zhao Ge’, who he couldn’t argue was undoubtedly handsome. Activating the poker face technique he had mastered after being beside his ‘Zhao Ge’ for all these years. Shen Jie whispered, “Mr He, didn’t they say there is no point in coming here, since the evidence has already been wiped clean?”

He Zhao pretended not to hear him put his arm around his neck. “Since we’re here, we should hide our true identities. I’m a foreigner traveling to China for the first time. I’m also a mix-blood of eight different countries—— “

Shen Jie wondered whether his boss was here for work or roleplay. And what was the point in adding minor details such as being a mixed blood of eight different countries? “What about you? Assistant Shen, have you thought of your identity?” He Zhao asked.

Shen Jie flinched slightly. He scratched his head. “I’m here to buy fish?” Unfortunately or fortunately, he didn’t inherit He Zhao’s bullshiting technique. “You’ll be my guide to navigate through China.” He Zhao declared, pointing a finger at Shen Jie. And walked off leisurely into one of the small shops. He left Shen Jie with no choice but to accept his identity as a guide.

Inside the small shop, There was only the cracking sound of the broken air conditioner running and a balding uncle sitting behind the counter, watching TV. He didn’t bother sparing a glance at the potential customers coming in.

“Mr He, what are we coming in here for?” Shen Jie asked, looking left and right at the tall, dusty old shelves, packed together. He Zhao didn’t reply; he picked up a Buddha statue and examined it before putting it back on the shelf. Shen Jie suddenly thought of something, whispering in a low voice, “Is it possible that there are clues in these stores?”

“Buying souvenirs for my little sister.” He Zhao replied casually, picking up random items.

Shen Jie: “…” I can’t tell whether you’re being serious or just devoted to playing the role of a person on vacation.

“Ahem,” Shen Jie coughed awkwardly, “So, has anything caught your eye, Mr He?” He Zhao picked up a speaker, and a red warning tag was attached to the speaker

“Warning: Speaker can deafen the entirety of China.” Reading the red warning tag, He Zhao raised an eyebrow.

He Zhao: “Boss! How much is this Speaker?” The uncle didn’t take his eyes off the TV and replied numbly, “Two for ninety-nine Yuan.”

Hearing the price, Shen Jie couldn’t help but complain in a low voice, “That price is highway robbery...” He Zhao walked up to the uncle behind the counter with his eyes still glued to the TV. “How much is one?” He asked, leaning over the counter with a friendly smile. The uncle repeated mechanically, “Two for ninety-nine yuan.”

He Zhao: “Boss, how about one for 20 yuan?”

The uncle finally removed his eyes from the TV, and silently sized up He Zhao. “Handsome guy, are you trying to rob me?”

“Seeing how handsome I am, why don’t you lower the price?” He Zhao asked shamelessly.

Shen Jie hiding behind the shelf: “…” Zhao ge, you don’t want any face.

The uncle's expression was unreadable, again sizing up He Zhao, “25 Yuan”. He Zhao's smile widened, and he took out his wallet and paid for the microphone.

Shen Jie: “…” He has seen his mom negotiate with logic, but he has never imagined a possibility where someone would negotiate based on how handsome they are. And that it would fucking work.

He Zhao tries, striking up a conversation, “Boss, I wanted to ask, seeing as how you must be so knowledgeable. Is there anything I should be wary of here?” The uncle’s eyes had already returned to looking at the TV. “You’re not from here, are you?”

He Zhao: “En, I’m from Europe, living in Paris. My home is only a few hundred feet from the Eiffel Tower.”

Boss Uncle gave He Zhao a skeptical look. “You speak fluent Mandarin, and your accent sounds like City A’s. You’re from City A, aren’t you?” He Zhao didn’t bother pretending anymore, he let a “hmm” sound, repeating the question he had asked earlier, “So, is there anything I should be wary of here?”

Boss Uncle looked at him and Shen Jie, hiding behind one of the shelves, “You and your friend came together?”
He Zhao: “En.”

“You two should be wary of the murders that happened recently.” Boss Uncle announced in a chilly tone.

A shocked expression spread across He Zhao’s face. “Murders?! That’s so scary! If I had known earlier, I wouldn’t have come here!” He Zhao exclaimed, acting surprised.

Boss Uncle ignored He Zhao’s terrible acting and continued, “The rumor is that multiple killers have surfaced in Blackwater Street. Recently, a man who owned a food stand was murdered. The murderer plunged a knife directly into his heart, killing him instantly. They say the killer left no evidence for the police, leaving only a knife that he used to stab the man with..”

—-

A few minutes later, the familiar pair of figures exited the shop. “That Uncle didn’t have any useful information, Mr, He, are you sure, you still want to try and gather information here?” Shen Jie asked.

He Zhao silently takes a strawberry-flavored lollipop from his pocket and unwraps it before putting it in his mouth. He absentmindedly sucks on the lollipop. While his mind wandered elsewhere, Shen Jie began getting ready to call for a cab.

Letting out an “ah” noise, He Zhao seemed to have realized something. Shen Jie was about to follow suit, but He Zhao gestured for him to stay put and wait. He re-entered the shop that they had previously been in.

Within a few seconds, He Zhao came back out. “Mr He, what did you find?”

Shen Jie asked with anticipation.

He Zhao: “There’s a good place to eat nearby.”

Shen Jie commented dryly, “Oh, is that so?”
He Zhao: “I asked the Old Boss if he could recommend us somewhere good to eat. He recommended the barbecue stall nearby.”

… At a barbecue stall, “Three beef skewers, one chicken skewer—— “ Xie Yu calmly listed multiple orders at once to Zhou Dalei. “Ah uh three beef skewers, one chicken skewer, and ah fuck. Boss Xie, how do you manage to memorize all those orders?!” Zhou Dalei cursed in frustration.

Xie Yu didn’t respond, he continued taking orders from customers.

The smoke coming out of the stall, carried the aroma of food, attracting more customers.

“Xiao Yu, there’s no need for you to work. Go rest.” Aunt Zhou urged Xie Yu to go rest.

Xie Yu obediently complied with Aunt Zhou’s request and sat on a red plastic stool, next to the barbecue stall. But he didn’t last long, feeling restless he decided to go for a walk.

Noticing a certain someone has already left, Aunt Zhou asked “Where did Xiao Yu go?”

“What’s the use of asking me?” Zhou Dalei complained as he held a handful of skewers, serving them to customers.

Aunt Zhou: “Aiya! Where did he run off to…this child always makes me worr-“ Zhou Dalei couldn’t bear it anymore “Mom! Is he your son or am I?!”

“Who told you could speak over your elder?!” Aunt Zhou mercilessly gave her son an earful.

——

Late in the afternoon, the originally light blue sky dissolved into a vibrant orange horizon of the sun setting in the distance. It was school dismissal time for all elementary and junior high students.

The silhouettes of youths laughing energetically as they ran into the horizon while wearing their school uniforms, holding the straps of their backpacks.

Xie Yu wandered around aimlessly in the crowd wearing a indifferent expression, pushing himself through the large crowd.

“Friend, do you know where a barbecue stall is?” A pleasant voice came from beside him as he walked by.

But Xie Yu eyes didn’t waver, he continued walking forward. His body language reads in bold letters “I don’t know, get lost.”

Suddenly, a large hand grabs him by his shoulder “Friend, do you know the direction to a barbecue stall nearby?”

 

Xie Yu looked up at the owner of the large hand. “Hand off.” He said in a chilly tone.

“Ah, sorry but do you know where a barbecue stall is, friend?” He Zhao asked, retreating his hands.

Xie Yu thought that this person is annoyingly persistent, he pointed towards the direction of Zhou Dalei family’s barbecue stall. “There.”

He Zhao: “Thank y-” Before He Zhao had the chance to thank him. Xie Yu had already turned his head and left. Leaving He Zhao standing there in a awkward silence.

Shen Jie who had been standing on the sidelines watching “Hes like a emotionless killer…” he mumbled under his breath.

“Ah, let’s go.” He Zhao said with a smile in his voice. As they began to walk towards the barbecue stall, Shen Jie notice He Zhao’s shoulders were shaking and he could hear a muffled laugh.

Chapter 2: Chapter 2 Uncle

Summary:

Spolier: ZhaoYu's adopted child~

Notes:

Friends Hello, happy PRIDE MONTH TOO!
I received 2 different comments of encouragement last chapter, and was very busy jumping in joy_~!

And has anyone READ my goddess MU GUA HUANG's NEW NOVEL "HIDDEN WIND"?!?! I READ IT LAST SUMMER AND IT MADE ME SO MUCH HAPPIER WITH LIVING! YESTERDAY I WAS LATE TO FIND OUT THAT THEY CAME OUT WITH A CD DRAMA I WAS ALSO BUSY JUMPING FOR JOY BECAUSE OF IT!!!!!!

I wish to improve my storyline plotting etc, tooo >V

A black sky surrounded by tiny lights was the most beautiful sight in the eyes of the woman and the little girl, whom she held closely in her arms.

They hid deep inside the alleyway, away from the crowded night market. Whenever passersby walked past the entrance to the alleyway, she would unconsciously hold her breath, with her body shaking uncontrollably.

The footsteps growing louder outside only made her more anxious and unsettled. A small, chubby hand tugged at her worn-out collar, She flinched at the sudden sensation of her collar being pulled. “Mom,” the little girl in her arms, called out to her.

 

“Hm? What is it, Xiao Ai?” She asked, looking down at the miniature body, huddled in her arms.

Xiao Ai pointed her chubby finger at the dark sky. “Tonight, the sky is covered with stars.”

“Mm, why don’t you try counting each one of those stars to Mom? She asked, squeezing her tightly. Hearing her mom’s request, Xiao Ai complained, pouting her already round cheeks, “How is that possible? There are too many!”

At her complaint, the woman laughed wholeheartedly, lifting her already swollen hand and squeezing Xiao Ai’s round, puffed-up cheeks. “It’s late, go to sleep. Mom will wake you up in the morning.”

Xiao Ai squeezed her eyes, trying to make out her appearance in the darkness. The woman seemed to sense her gaze and covered her eyes. “Sleep.”

.

A few minutes passed, just as the woman thought Xiao Ai had fallen asleep, retreating her hand, she heard, “…Mom, is Dad mad at me?”

At this question, she chokes, her mouth wide open, but no words came out. Thankfully, it was dark, or else Xiao Ai would’ve been able to see the horrified expression on the woman’s face.

“So, he is mad at me…Mom, if I tell Dad that ‘I’m sorry’, would he no longer be mad at me?” Xiao Ai was young and innocent; she willingly offered her thoughts and heart to others, leaving herself completely vulnerable.

In this cruel world, such innocence isn’t allowed to survive.

There was once a time when the woman had been unaware of how heartless this world could be. This innocence was eventually stripped from her, and Xiao Ai is no exception. Because this cruel world doesn’t accept any exceptions, even children can’t escape from this terrible reality.

As tears welled up in her eyes, the woman attempted to put on a facade, hastily wiping away her tears.

“No, no, he isn’t, he’s just-”

“Chen Xue! You bitch!”

Before the woman could finish, a man could be heard cursing vulgarly from the other end of the alleyway.

 

Chen Xue’s body froze; she was petrified in fear. Each echoing footsteps was like a wave of unbearable terror coming upon her, causing her to shiver.

No matter where she hid or ran off to, it would only be a matter of time before he hunts her down again. Every time Chen Xue escapes from the man’s grasp, she is only continuing the never-ending cycle.

There is no good in running away. Chen Xue had made up her mind; she would end this never-ending cycle and would allow her daughter to live a prosperous life, full of unlimited possibilities.

“Xiao Ai, let’s play hide and seek. While Dad and Mom are going to talk, you hide far away. Mom will come and find you in ten minutes.” Chen Xue pushes Xiao Ai towards the entrance of the alleyway.

She looks nervously at the other end of the alleyway, She can hear the man’s footsteps getting closer. When she turned back at the alleyway’s entrance, Xiao Ai stood there dumbly staring at her. “Xiao Ai, Mom will give you a 30-second head start to hide.”

“1”

“2”

“3”

“4”

Xiao Ai ran off to hide, Chen Xue watched, pursing her lips anxiously.

“5”

When Xiao Ai's figure disappeared completely from her sight, Chen Xue glanced at the other side, where she could make out a man’s figure in the distance.

“6”

“7”

“8”

“9”

“10”

“Chen Xue! You…-” Even as the man mercilessly cursed at her, Chen Xue closed her eyes and continued to count.

“11”

“12”

“13-”

A loud thud could be heard, but the woman didn’t waver, patiently counting.

“14”

“15”

“16”

“17”

“18”

“Bang”

“19”

Something slammed onto the ground, objects were being thrown.

“20”

“21-”

“You motherfucker! What does a man’s business have anything to do with you?!” The voice belonged to the man who had been cursing.

“22”

“You. Trash like you shouldn’t call yourself a man.” An unfamiliar voice said.

“23”

“Ah! Damn you!”

“24”

“Fuck you!”

“25”

“You curse? Let me teach you some manners.”

“26”

The sound of metal hitting something hard echoed.

“27”

“Thud”

A heavy object hit the ground.

“28”

“29”

“30”

Chen Xue opened her eyes to see a tall figure, dressed in black clothing, holding a bloodstained metal bat, standing before her.

She looked down at the ground and her eyes widened in horror, a man’s collapsed body, gushing with blood. Chen Xue's eyes glance back at the unknown person “..you-”

“Take this.” The unknown person’s cold voice cut her off.

He held out the bloodstained metal bat to her. Chen Xue stayed silent, she didn’t move, staring suspiciously at the person who had seemingly appeared out of thin air.

“If you don’t take it, you won’t even be able to protect that little girl.” He says, still holding the metal bat out to her.

Chen Xue couldn’t sense any ill intention in his voice, she could only deduce that this person faced everything in life with indifference.

Letting out a tired sigh, “Even if I take that bat, what would I do with it? I can’t stand properly. My legs have given out a long time ago, it has been wounded so badly that I suspect it might leave permanent damage.” Chen Xue gave a brief explanation of her situation and continued, “There is no point in my fighting. Couldn’t you tell when you saw me? I was ready to die.”

Xie Yu could tell he only needed one glance at the woman’s eyes to see her lack of enthusiasm toward life. “You’re going to abandon that child and die?”

“You’ve been watching? Were you waiting for a chance to save the beauty?” Chen Xue let out a dried laugh “And I didn’t abandon her, I freed her from being chased down by those scums again This world is cruel, isn’t it?”

From those words, one could only imagine how much despair and pain she must have experienced.

“Hm, but I think you’re actions are even more cruel.” Xie Yu said, throwing the bloodstained metal bat to the ground. “I know that you believe what you’re doing is best for your child. But have you ever thought of what she wants? She will suffer for the rest of her life because of your selfishness.”

Chen Xue: “You…little brat, what right do you have to criticize me? Then, if you were me, what would you do?”

Without even having to take time to think of an answer, Xie Yu answered lightly, “Commit man slaughter.”

Chen Xue: “…” You’re crazy.

It only took a while for Chen Xue to fully digest those outrageous words, after all, the person standing in front of her had likely just committed man slaughter to save her life.

Chen Xue attempted to pull herself up. But her legs quickly gave out from the burning pain in her ankles.

As a past medical student in college, she knew the nerves in her ankles had been damaged beyond repair. “Ugh…wait a minute.” Xie Yu looked at her.

“I’m sorry, I know you just saved my life, but could you find my daughter for me..? I can barely stand, right now.” Chen Xue asked hoarsely, her forehead covered in cold sweat from the pain.

Xie Yu: “..Mm, you wait here, I’ll find her. What’s her name?”

“Xiao Ai, Chen XiaoAi.”

======

“Zhao ge…Why did you buy so many skewers to take out?” Shen Jie asked, astonished by the four plastic bags filled with skewers.”

They were walking through the lively night market, the mouth-watering aroma of meat attracted stray dogs, hiding in corners, waiting for a chance to steal their share.

“Gift for Old Jiang.” He Zhao replied, his eyes scanning the entire marketplace.

Shen Jie was helpless to his boss’s carefree attitude, “Mr Zhao….do I need to remind you..? Old Jiang still hasn’t forgiven you for what happened last time.”

He Zhao asked innocently, “What are you saying, ah?”

“Remember? Last time, you beat up our group of suspects? When he sees you in his office again, he’s just going to chase you out.” To keep track of all the trouble caused by his boss, Shen Jie has written down each incident.

“Don’t worry, Assistant Shen, I’m sure Old Jiang has the heart to forgive me.” He Zhao ensured, taking a skewer out from one of the plastic bags to eat.

Shen Jie mumbled a complaint, “… every day I worry that my boss would appear on the news for something he has done while I wasn’t paying attention.”

He Zhao ignored his Assistant’s complaint. As they walked, he felt an overwhelming sense of being watched. Out of the corner of his eyes, he spots someone hiding behind a pile of bikes.

“What are you staring at?” Following his gaze, Shen Jie looked curiously at the pile of bikes. “Is that a little girl..? Why is she hiding over there? Where are her parents?”

The two of them made eye contact with her, realizing she had been discovered. Xiao Ai hid herself deeper inside the pile of bikes.

For a few seconds, He Zhao stared silently at the small head peaking out. “Assistant Shen, wait here.” He walked over to where the little had been hiding.

“Hello Xiao Meimei, what are you doing hiding here?” He Zhao asked, squatting down beside her.

(Xiao=Little/Meimei=younger sister)

(He Zhao is calling her little sister.)

She curled into a ball, burying her head into her tiny arms. He Zhao could tell that she was doing this in an attempt to make her presence less notable.

“Xiao Meimei, are you hungry? Here, this brother has a lot of meat and veggie skewers.” He Zhao generously held out one of the bags of skewers for her to choose from.

Xiao Ai couldn’t be any less tempted, she hadn’t eaten all day. She glanced at the bag in his hands, swallowing a mouthful of saliva. She looked at him and said with a sulky expression on her face, “But I don’t have money to give you.”

He Zhao gave a light-hearted laugh. “I don’t want your money. Earlier, weren’t you staring so intently at them?”

Such a kind-hearted gesture only made Xiao Ai confused, she tilted her head to the side. “You’re weird.”

He Zhao: “Now is that something you should say to a kind-hearted stranger, sharing their food with you?”

Xiao Ai: “Sorry, Uncle.”

“Uncle”

“Uncle..”

“Uncle…?”

“…”

A big blow to He Zhao’s self-esteem. With his swollen ego, he didn’t notice Xiao Ai taking a meat skewer from the bag. “Xiao Meimei, do I look old enough to be called an uncle?”

A pity Shen Jie wasn’t able to witness this; if he were present at the scene, he would be on the ground, holding his stomach, laughing.

“Uncle, what are you saying?” Xiao Ai asked, taking more skewers from the bag.

He Zhao: “Xiao Meimei, don’t call me Uncle, I’m only 26.”

Finishing one of the skewers in her hand, Xiao Ai looked up at He Zhao and asked, “Da Shu, do you have any more meat skewers?”

He Zhao: “…” This brat is doing this on purpose.

 

(Da Big, Shu = Uncle, we usually say ‘Shu Shu’ for uncle, but when you call someone Big/Da, you take out one extra Ge/Jie, or in our case, Shu.)

 

“Da Shu, why does your expression look like you’ve gone bankrupt?” Xiao Ai asked, with food in her mouth.

He Zhao’s expression right now is laughable compared to his usual air of confidence. “…26…ah, I’m only 26. Why is this stinky brat calling me…Da Shu?” He mumbled resentfully.

Quite a pleasant sight, the world’s number one shameless man, himself completely and utterly defeated by a little girl.

While He Zhao was doubting his life, Xiao Ai looked at her empty hands. “Da Shu, where are all the skewers?’

He Zhao looked at the empty bag in his hands and at Xiao Ai’s bulging cheeks.

“…”

He Zhao wordlessly squeezed her round cheeks, causing her to spit out the contents of food in her mouth. “Xiao Meimei, I seem to have found where the food went.”

Xiao Ai pouted angrily, “You’re bullying me!” She pulled his hair, purely out of frustration.

“Xiao Meimei, how am I bullying you? I paid for those skewers so..-”

As the adult and child were having a pointless argument, an indifferent voice sounded from behind them.

“Xiao Ai.”

He Zhao followed the direction of the voice to see a suspicious-looking figure dressed in black. Though the person’s face wasn’t visible due to the mask he was wearing, He Zhao could still see that the other person’s eyes were like a sharp, cold sword, and a mole underneath his left eye.

Xiao Ai stared in a daze at the suspicious person before her eyes widened, “Pretty big brother! You’re the pretty big brother!” She recognized him as the pretty big brother from earlier.

Luckily, Xie Yu seems to have also remembered Xiao Ai as the dumb little girl who couldn’t even turn on a toy fan. “Mm, Xiao Ai, let’s go.”

“You’re her brother?”

At first, Xie Yu had intended to ignore him. But, it seems he doesn’t have any other choice but to acknowledge this person’s existence.

Xie Yu: “Hm.”

He Zhao: “Why does my instinct tell me that we have met before?”

Xie Yu's eyebrows twitched. “Your instincts are terrible.”

He Zhao narrowed his eyes at him, then let out a chuckle. “Mm, is that so? Xiao Meimei, are you sure this suspicious person is your brother?” He Zhap watched with an amused expression as murderous intent appeared in Xie Yu’s eyes.

Xiao Ai: “Da Shu, you’re the one who looks suspicious.”

He Zhao: “..Xiao Meimei, from which angle do I look suspicious to you?”

Xiao Ai: “All angles.”

Xie Yu couldn’t help but praise her, “Xiao Ai, well said.”

Notes:

Please tell me, anything you enjoyed from my unlaughable humor in this chapter! It truly is helpful and encouraging to see such kind comments and reviews! I'm thinking of uploading one or two chapters a week!

Sorry, no dog food, still i broke my promise. VERY SORRY !
But I'm also working on another serious of just pure dogfood of our ZHAOYU AHHHH.

 

If you're wondering why it took a little long was because I'm having an iron deficiency relapse again LOL~ And I had to scrap my last two drafts because the storyline was all over the place T0T.

Chapter 3: 3

Summary:

WARNING: MENTIONS OF SV1C1D3, SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Notes:

Hello friend~ I meant to publish this chapter yesterday but due to my Iron deficiency and other health concerns I didn't meet this goal :,3.
I hope you enjoy this chapter and tell me in the comments what you wish to see in the next chapter.
Also I apologize for the fast pacing of each chapters ;3..

Walking through the dark, narrow alleyway, Xiao Ai looked around curiously, holding the pretty big brother’s hand. Xie Yu guided her as they made several turns throughout the alleyway. These turns seemed completely random and aimless, Xiao Ai felt like they were walking in a loop.

“Pretty Big Brother, why are you taking this way?” She asked, tilting her head to the side. Xie Yu glanced down at her. “This alleyway is connected to all the other alleyways on this street, If we go this way, we would arrive quicker.”

He intentionally left out the part that if you make a single wrong turn, you’ll end up far from your original destination. But, after living on Blackwater Street for so many years, he has a map of the entire street memorized, including all the shortcuts.

“There!” Xiao Ai suddenly pulled his arm for him to stop, and pointed in a certain direction. “That would lead us straight to the alleyway where Mom is waiting for us!” Xie Yu ignored her suggestion and continued moving forward, making another sharp turn.

He has also memorized all the routes to avoid the gangsters and extortionists who often lurk in, waiting for their unsuspecting victims.

Xiao Ai grew frustrated about being ignored, but could only fidget silently with the pretty big brother’s hand. Only a few seconds passed, and she became bored, looking up at the dark sky filled with tiny lights, humming a random children’s song.

In Xiao Ai’s eyes, this site wasn’t just a dark and gloomy sky filled with countless stars. She saw more than that; in her imaginative brain, each star connected, forming an animal, a person, flowers, a kite, words. Her imagination was endless and vast.

Xie Yu’s imagination couldn’t be any less vast; right now, he was imagining a scene of him beating a certain shameless bastard to a pulp.
————

20 minutes ago,

“You little brat, didn’t I share my skewers with you?” He Zhao stretched out his hand to pinch her round cheeks. Xiao Ai avoided the incoming hand and hugged Xie Yu’s thighs, pointing a finger at He Zhao. “Pretty big brother, let’s stay away from that suspicious individual!”
The words “This has nothing to do with me” were imprinted on Xie Yu’s cold face.

He Zhao’s mouth twitched. “Xiao Meimei, I am a little curious about something.”
He was very curious. “Why do you call me ‘Da Shu’ but you call him ‘pretty big brother’?”

Xiao Ai: “Da Shu, has anyone ever told you that you look old?”
In He Zhao’s 26 years of living, people(including himself) have only ever called him handsome. No one has dared to deny his outstanding looks. Today was the very first time someone has done that, and that someone was a little brat who hasn’t even memorized her times table.

He Zhao: “Little stinky brat, you’re so young and already know how to pick a fight with a stranger?” And today he has awakened the urge to fight with a little brat who hasn’t even memorized her times table.

In response, Xiao Ai spat her tongue out at him and hid behind Xie Yu. Seeing this, He Zhao couldn’t believe it, he let out an angry laugh, “So disrespectful to someone who has just shared their food with you? Little brat, you’re shameless.” (He’s projecting)

(He Zhao, under no circumstances or situation that you are in, do you have the right to call someone, shameless, other than yourself…)

“It seems like I’ll have to charge you for this bag of meat skewers.” He Zhao picked up the empty plastic bag, holding it for Xiao Ai to see. “No! I don’t have any money! You said you didn’t want any of my money! Da Shu, be reasonable!” Xiao Ai exclaimed.

He Zhao continued to tease and provoke her, “Eh? Xiao Meimei, you should be reasonable as well. I’m only 26, why are you calling me ‘Da Shu’?” He waved the empty plastic bag around for her to see.

“Enough, how are you 26, and being so immature?” Xie Yu couldn’t watch any longer, stepping forward to block Xiao Ai from his view. He Zhao raised an eyebrow. “Friend, I’m only playing around with her, so don’t take it to heart.”

“A big man like you, picking a fight with a child is embarrassing, don’t you think?” Xie Yu retorted, glaring coldly at him. “She picked a fight with me.” He Zhao protested his innocence, standing up, he walked up and whispered close to Xie Yu’s ear, “Also, are you really her brother?”

He Zhao’s voice tickled Xie Yu’s ears, and a deep frown appeared under the mask Xie Yu was wearing, distancing himself away from He Zhao. He narrowed his eyes at him. “Are you sick?” Xie Yu wiped his ears, as if he were wiping away something disgusting.

At his reaction, He Zhao smiled provokingly and took a step closer. Xie Yu thought internally, ‘This person really is ill.’

He Zhao: “Friend, don’t look at me with that kind of expression.”

Even with the mask on covering most of his face, the amount of heavy, dark energy Xie Yu’s eyes emitted alone was enough to turn a person into ‘The Scream’ painting by Edvard Munch.

“Maintain a five-meter distance away from me or else I’ll really punch you.” Xie Yu raised his fist to show that he was being serious. “How about 4 meters?” Before He Zhao could come any closer to him.

Xie Yu warned, “Friend, I advise you to value your life.”

“What a coincidence, I like to seek death.”

Xie Yu’s eyes widened as he watched He Zhao reduce the 5-meter distance to barely half a meter. Even daring to raise his hand, and pet his head, “Little friend, has anyone ever informed you of your bad temper?” Playfully rubbing his head, after stroking his hair a few times, He Zhao noticed that Xie Yu’s hair was unexpectedly soft to the touch.

“Hand off.” Veins protruded out of the tightly clenched fist Xie Yu held up. “Ah, sorry-” As He Zhao was about to apologize, he felt a sudden sense of deja vu. Earlier, his instincts told him that they had met somewhere, and this only confirmed his intuition.

Xie Yu’s patience with him had run thin; he slapped He Zhao’s hand away and forcefully pushed him to the ground.

“Friend, your reaction just now, isn’t it a bit over exaggerated?” He Zhao couldn’t be any less shameless to any insult or criticisms thrown at him, and usually wouldn’t be taken to heart. But witnessing Xie Yu’s disgusted appearance, he felt a bit insulted.

Xie Yu snorted in response, he looked down at Xiao Ai. “Xiao Ai, Mom told me to come and find you, she’s waiting for you, let’s go.” His only purpose for being here was to deliver Xiao Ai to her Mom.

Xiao Ai: “Mom told you to come find me..?”

Xie Yu: “Mm, let’s go.”

“…But she said she’ll come find me herself…” Xiao Ai said with a sullen expression on her face. Xie Yu could hear the disappointment in her voice. “Xiao Ai, Mom isn’t feeling well, so she couldn’t come and pick you up herself.” He explained, patting her head gently in an assuring way.

“I don’t believe you.” Xiao Ai said, pouting her round cheeks, “Whenever Mom doesn’t come and pick me up herself, it is only because she forgot about me…” She buried her head between Xie Yu’s thighs. He could feel tears soaking into his pants.

Letting out a sigh, Xie Yu bends down and cups her round cheeks, “Xiao Ai, I promise Mom just isn’t feeling well.” He uses his thumb to wipe away the tears running down her swollen eyes. “Don’t cry, you will only waste your tears.”

The corners of Xiao Ai’s eyes were red. She pursed her lips and nodded obediently. “Pretty big brother, is Mom waiting for us right now?”

Xie Yu: “En.”

Xiao Ai grabbed onto Xie Yu’s hand tightly. “Then, let’s go.”

As they were about to leave, a certain someone couldn’t bear to separate without saying a farewell. “You’re leaving? Then have a safe journey. Let’s meet again, friends!” He Zhao waved his hand at them, with a laid-back smile on his face.

Xie Yu almost blurted out, ‘Let’s never meet again.’

———

Coming out of the alley, they had been navigating for an unknown amount of time. Xiao Ai suddenly stopped, pulling the hem of his jacket. “Pretty big brother! Look!”

Xie Yu glanced in the direction she pointed to, and his eyes slowly widened. Red and Blue lights flashed from police cars blocking the entrance of the alleyway where Chen Xue had been waiting for them.

“There’s been a murder!” A voice belonging to an elderly man shouted, “Officer Wan, gather all the other officers for a search to be done!”

Officer Wan replied, “Yes! Old Jiang, I have already informed Officer Shen! He should arrive along with Detective He within a few minutes!”

“They’re nearby? Didn’t I tell Detective He to stay put in the office and reflect?” In an Instant, Old Jiang’s forehead wrinkles became more prominent. “Ah, yes…from what I have heard this morning, Detective He came into the office saying that he, along with Officer Shen, were going to take a leave for enlightenment.” Wan Da explained, scratching his hair.

“So, Detective He chose to come here to…never mind. When he arrives, I’ll have him come forward and explain to me what business he has coming here..” Old Jiang dismissed, rubbing his temples.

As more officers arrived at the scene, Xie Yu gritted his teeth, hurriedly picked up Xiao Ai with one arm, and ran back inside the alleyway from which they had just exited.

“Pret-“ Xie Yu covered her mouth with his other hand. “Shh, don’t speak.” He listened carefully to the conversation outside.

An Officer began reporting to Old Jiang, “Two deceased, one man and a woman, both in their late 20s. The man had suffered blunt force trauma to his head and a few minor injuries to the rest of his body. At the scene, we were only able to find a metal bat covered in fresh blood that was used as the murder weapon…”

‘Two?’

‘And a woman?’

A high possibility emerged in Xie Yu’s mind, it was a possibility he’d rather not consider. ‘It may just be someone else,’ He internally comforted himself, biting the inside of his mouth.

Old Jiang: “What about the woman?”

“The woman had been severely injured with evidence of physical abuse, and in her system, we have found evidence of substance abuse. But there are no physical injuries that could have directly caused her death, she had died of an overdose.” The Officer reported.

Old Jiang: “Officer Wan! Have you identified them yet?”

Officer Wan: “No, we’re currently trying to identify them….-”

There was no need to question that woman’s identity. In Xie Yu’s mind, it had long become clear that he could no longer return Xiao Ai to her mom, because Chen Xue is dead.

As Xie Yu was contemplating what he should do next, out of the corner of his eyes, he spotted a punchable familiar face in the far distance. It was a face Xie Yu least wanted to see, he wondered what grave sins he had done in his past life to bear this much karma.

“Officer Shen! Detective He!” Wan Da warmly greeted the two familiar figures. “Quick! Come and take a look at the evidence we managed to gather! Tell me, if you discover anything useful!”

“Officer Wan! Can you explain to us what happened first?” Officer Shen asked, out of breath, loosening the tie around his neck. “What? Didn’t I explain the situation over the phone?” Wan Da questioned back.

“Aiya! You only said ‘Hurry! Come over! Bring Detective He with you as well!’ How can I understand the situation with just that?” Officer Shen complained.

Officer Wan: “Speaking of Detective He, where did he go? I just saw him.”

‘Ah! Fuck.’ A bad premonition came over Shen Jie, he looked around anxiously for his boss. Earlier, he had discussed with his boss not to do anything that could cause Old Jiang’s blood pressure to rise. But unfortunately, that discussion seemed useless.

“Old Jiang! Long time no see. Wow, you look younger than the last time I saw you! Here, I bought some skewers.” He Zhao shoved three bags of skewers over to Old Jiang.

‘Ah, I want to put in a one-month notice.’ Shen Jie swallowed his sorrows.

“Detective He, why did you take a leave to come to Blackwater Street with Officer Shen?” Old Jiang’s expression was as stern as that of a Head Teacher, who enjoyed tormenting students in the dorms by broadcasting how students should show more enthusiasm toward learning at 6 AM, also going by the name ‘Mad Dog’.

He Zhao answered with a lazy smile on his face. “I came to find enlightenment.”

“Detective He!-“ Old Jiang quickly regretted wasting his precious time on questioning this faceless individual, “Never mind, we don’t have time for this. Have Officer Wan or Officer Shen inform you on the situation?”

He Zhao: “No.”

Wan Da gave a brief explanation of the situation.

“Hmm, so a man has been murdered, and the woman you suspect committed $u1c1d3, after murdering him?” He Zhao looked at the bloodstained metal bat with interest.

Wan Da: “We’re currently testing for any DNA left on the bat.”

“There’s no need to do a DNA test.” He Zhao said, taking a lollipop out of his pocket.

“Hm? Why?” Wan Da asked, puzzled. “Have you already figured out who the murderer is? Do you also think it’s the woman?”

“No, it can’t be the woman. Her body endured too many serious injuries, I’m surprised she hadn’t first died from the agony of it all. And her ankles are so swollen that I suspect it would’ve been difficult for her even to stand.” He Zhao explained, unwrapping the lollipop.

Wan Da was even more confused. “Then, why is there no need to do a DNA test?”

‘The scene is too clean, the culprit is very good at cleaning up any evidence, leaving only the murder weapon. If you test for any DNA on that bat, there would only be the victim’s DNA.” He Zhao said sucking on the lollipop.

“That’s only your speculation. Everyone! Properly inspect the scene, don’t leave any corners untouched!” Old Jiang commanded with an even fiercer expression than usual. He Zhao only shrugged in response. He leisurely watched from the sidelines as Officers searched relentlessly for any clues the culprit had left behind.

Notes:

Thank you my reader for keeping up with reading this fanfic~! I truly can't describe how fun it is seeing even one comment or any feedback:333

If you have any suggestions or what you would like to see in future chapters please comment your wishes!~ (I will add it in future chapters! >3<)

Once again I much appreciate you for reading!

Chapter 4: Update

Summary:

Reason why I ghosted this fanfic for over a month straight and why I’m back.

Sorry:3

Notes:

Very sorry for not updating for so long ;3

Hello friends,

I’d like to apologize to the few readers who have kept up with this fanfic.

(A short explanation of what happened.)

The reason for my absence (and betrayal?) is because of my health and the damn ao3 curse.

I’m currently 1k words into a new chapter and I’ll be done writing and uploading it in 3-4 days.

That’s basically it and if you want to read a rant of me bitching about everything please read the notes at the end.

Notes:

I hate my fuckass doctor. I have been assigned a new doctor to treat my anemic ass.

Here’s a basic interaction with her after doing a blood test:

Karen: “Before in ###### your iron level was at 10.0. And now your iron is basically nonexistent.”

I was shocked to hear thats, and so was my expression as I listen to her.

Karen: “Why do you look at me like you don’t understand what I’m saying?”

Me: “No, I’m just shocked.”

Karen: “About what?”

Me: “???” Fuck you mean ‘about what?’

Karen: “No I’m seriously confused. What are you shocked about?”

Me: “My iron level has gotten so low.”

She looks me dead in the eyes.

Me: “?????????” Why the fuck are you looking at me like I’m an imbecile?

—

She is such a sweetly, every time I look at her bird nest of a hair and that chopped uneven bangs that is an absolute insult to anyone who’s ever had bangs, my stomach hurts.

Each appointment with her my will and desire to no longer be anemic accelerates at a universal rate. Each appointment with her, sitting in the same room with her hurts my dignity as a human being.

I don’t know if this was a tactic planned by my dad but it’s working.

I’ve been taking my iron supplements on time, in fear of maybe having more appointments with her.

Karen i hate your fake ass smile and ur snarky, smartass comments you say to me. I bet your hairdresser does too because it’s evident.

Chapter 5: Afterwards

Notes:

Hello friends :3, this chapter is 1700+ words so much shorter than my usual one which is 2000+. Sorry >3<

Smoke accompanied by the heavy rain. The air reeked of tobacco and iron. As endless rain poured down, the blood splattered on the ground was washed into the sewers.

At 1 in the morning, Blackwater Street had company, the entire police investigation unit from City A. Curious eyes of neighbors observed from their windows, some even peeked their heads out to get a better look at the situation outside.

Another dead body has surfaced in an enclosed alleyway.

Officers hurried footsteps and the inaudible conversation inside the police car, between an overly laid-back detective and the police chief.

“Detective He, what are you trying to imply?” Old Jiang closely analyzed the rare serious expression on Detective He’s face. “Old Jiang, we have figured out only three things: One, the victims are all male. Two, the murders are all done by the same person, just with different methods. Three, there is a high possibility that the murderer is a resident here.”

He Zhao’s eyes wandered outside the tinted window. “We have missed something critical, a pattern in the victims.” He paused to give Old Jiang a thoughtful look. “The killer is targeting criminals.”

Old Jiang’s forehead wrinkles multiplied in an instant. “Detective He, since this is a serial killing, we have specifically searched for a pattern in the victims. We have thoroughly searched all the victims’ backgrounds; only a few have criminal records, but most of them weren’t found guilty of their charges.”

“Old Jiang, what if the case is that all of them were never caught or gotten away with it due to ‘lack of evidence’? They were never convicted, or to be more precise, justice was never ‘properly’ brought upon them. That’s why some of them have no criminal record.” He Zhao pointed at the dead body outside,

“Yu Qingyi, 34 years old, has three children. Moved to Blackwater Street two years ago. He lived in an apartment complex. When he first moved here, his neighbors often called about a noise complaint, of kids screaming. Two months ago, reports of child abuse were submitted by the same neighbors. But was dismissed for some unspecified reason.”

Old Jiang’s eyes widened. “Where did you find this information?” He Zhao smiled, “Old Jiang, last time you asked my purpose for suddenly taking a leave with Assistant Shen to come to Blackwater Street.” Out of habit, he unconsciously fumbles in his pockets for a cigarette.

But to his dismay, he only found lollipops. He Zhao clicked his tongue. “Old Jiang, by chance, do you ha-” Knowing what he was going to ask, Old Jiang warned sternly. “No smoking in the car, continue.”

He Zhao made a “tch” sound, unwrapping the lollipop wrapper before placing it in his mouth. “The investigation unit has visited Blackwater Street before to gather information on the killer, but came with no success. Having put 100% of their effort into searching for information about the killer. A killer whose gender, height, and age are a complete mystery to us.”

“Are you trying to criticize the investigation unit’s operation?” Old Jiang questioned, displeased.

He Zhao ignored him and continued, “So I took a gamble. Instead of spending 100% of my effort to collect information about the killer, I visited Blackwater Street myself and put 100% of my effort on gathering information on the victims.”

Old Jiang furrowed his brows in disapproval. “How much has that strategy of yours achieved?”

“Ying Qi, 49 years old, two weeks ago, he was found dead, alongside his ex-wife.” He Zhao takes out a file, he compiled and hands it over to Old Jiang. “He was a frequent visitor to the police station here. Nicknamed the ‘street pervert’, multiple women have reported him for harassment, stalking, and indecent acts. But they were also all dismissed.”

Old Jiang flipped through the file and was dumbfounded by how detailed it was. “How long did it take you to gather all this information?”

“Only a few days. It was a simpler operation than you think. I just asked around and kept my ears on full alert, listening in for any useful rumors or gossip.” He Zhao said, brushing it off casually.

“Recently, most of these gossips centered around men who were infamous for being a societal scum-” He Zhao stopped, his eyes wandered outside the police car window. “That’s when I noticed the pattern. All the men in these rumors have been murdered.”

An eerie silence engulfed the police car. A grave expression appeared on Old Jiang’s face. In contrast to Detective He’s calm face. “Old Jiang the killer is targeting those who hadn’t been served justice.”

He Zhao looked directly in Old Jiang’s eyes and said, “It’s almost as if they’re saying, ‘If the law doesn’t want to bring justice, I will.”

—
“If the law doesn’t want to bring justice, I will.” A youth mumbled to himself, sitting outside the courthouse, burying his face into his legs. His fingers had long gone numb from the cold.

He was clueless as to how long he had been sitting here since the trial had ended. Reason told him that he should seek warmth, but his stubbornness didn’t allow him to. He stayed in place, acting as if the cold didn’t affect him. No human could be immune to the cold.

Time passed, and the cold didn’t waver; each chilly breeze that came his way sent shivers down to his soul. The only thing keeping him from losing consciousness completely was his sheer determination.

Although passersby gave him pitiful stares and looks, no one came to lend a helping hand to the youth. They kept their distance from him, only a few dared to walk up to him and ask if he was okay. But he would only spare a glance at them before looking away.

What was his purpose for sitting here?

Previously repeating to himself like a broken record, ‘I want a retrial.’ But that desire to seek justice from the law had long been frozen by the cold.

If he weren’t half-conscious, he would’ve noticed the warm stream of tears coming down his face.

….

A spacious room with nothing but a single bed. The room lacked warmth and traces of being lived in.

Xie Yu’s eyelashes fluttered lightly, opening his eyes halfway. With a blurry vision, he stared numbly at the white ceiling. It took an unnecessary amount of effort to pull himself up. Observing his surroundings in a daze, Xie Yu notices the fat orange cat sleeping peacefully between his legs.

Ruffling his hair, for a moment, Xie Yu couldn’t recall when or what he had done before he fell asleep. But after a while, it came rushing back to him. Frowning at the memory of him, dragging himself home, and the heavy smell of iron.

Xie Yu sniffs his palm, though the smell of iron is no longer permanent, the memory of it still lingers, unable to be washed away.

The air inside his room was suffocating him.

Xie Yu held the fat cat in his embrace, ripping himself out of bed. Xie Yu opens the door, still in a half-asleep state, not expecting anything special.

The living room was pitch black, and the curtains were shut tightly. Xie Yu paused, his ears pricked up, going on full alert, as he listened closely to the eerie silence.

Nothing.

With a peaceful mind, Xie Yu makes his way over to the small kitchen, putting the fat cat down. He opens the fridge and takes out five eggs, a handful of bok choy, and leftover rice.

Turning on the fire, Xie Yu places the pan over the fire while waiting for it to heat up. Xie Yu rinses the bok choy with water, cleaning off any excess dirt or grime, then patiently ripping the leaves from its stems.

When the pan was fully heated, he added oil and stirred it, spreading it evenly. Xie Yu cracks the eggs with one hand, throwing the egg shells into the trash beside him.

Dun.
Le.
Dun.

Dramatic music began playing, Xie Yu recognized this theme song as the one often used in games, when you’re being chased by a boss.

“Come play with me…”

The voice of a little girl said in an unsettling manner.

Xie Yu also recognizes this; it was a line that has been overused in horror games and stories. Without sparing a glance, Xie Yu ignored these small antics and focused on cooking.

Then the lights began to flicker, and he could hear the clicking of the light switch being turned on and off.

“….”

Xie Yu’s eyes twitch.

Earlier, he had noticed something off; it was too peaceful. Ever since he took in a little beast, his living situation has been chaotic and unpredictable. There have been days when Xie Yu yearns for silence and solitude.

Xie Yu takes a deep breath. “Xiao Ai, stop playing with the light, you’re wasting electricity. Come help, put the rice in the microwave for 2 minutes.” He commanded, putting the cooked eggs on a plate.

A click, and the entire room lit up.

“Pretty big brother, how come you’re not scared?” Xiao Ai asked, her expression showed her disappointment.

Xie Yu wanted to say ‘Flickering the lights would only make a person worry about wasting electricity. Other than that, putting on a dramatic theme song and an overused horror game line, shouldn’t have scared any grown man.’

Instead, Xie Yu gently rubbed her head and said with a blank expression, “Mm, I was scared.” Although these little antics of hers were distracting, it was at the very least better than what Xiao Ai had done last time.

Xiao Ai looked up at him. “Your expression doesn’t seem that way.” She narrowed her eyes at him, searching for any evidence of fear on his face.

“….”

“Don’t overthink it, Xiao Ai. Go put the rice in the microwave.” Xie Yu repeated. Xiao Ai pouted her round cheeks and did as she was told.

After he finished cooking, Xiao Ai placed the cooked food on the table. She unconsciously drools at the fresh, warm home-cooked meal in front of her. Xie Yu didn’t know if his eyes were broken or if he was hallucinating, but whenever Xiao Ai looked at food, her eyes seemed to be glimmering with sparkles.

Notes:

The reason for a shorter chapter is because I'm going to be taking a break from this fanfic and starting another one for another fandom.

But that doesn't mean I'll completely stop posting chapters. I'll still be updating, posting chapters for this fandom thats longer just every few weeks.

Notes:

If you read all of it and enjoyed it please tell me. You may be understandably frustrated that no dogfood was shoved into your face… but I guarantee you if enough people want to continue this series I’ll shove a mouthful of dogfood in your mouths~
\(≧▽≦)/
Also apologies for all the minor errors and bad story plot…:3