Coming to Myself

You Mingxu was taken aback by his sudden words and froze.

He spoke with utter calm, his tone flat, completely devoid of his usual frivolous and slick demeanor. His lean face held a faint light in his eyes. For some reason, You Mingxu felt he wasn't lying.

After a long silence, she finally replied, "We've only known each other for two days. Isn't it too early to talk about this? Besides, even if you're willing to give me... certain things for my sake, you still need to show me your sincerity."

Luo Yu smiled dismissively, as if seeing through her perfunctory response, but he didn't seem angered. Just then, the server brought the dishes, and he reverted to the gentle, polished demeanor of an elite gentleman, introducing each signature dish to her and serving her soup and rice. You Mingxu accepted it all calmly and unhurriedly.

When the meal was nearly finished, he lit another cigarette, seemingly no longer interested in coaxing her, and gazed thoughtfully out the window. The sunset was fading, the sky stretching vast, while a river flowed slowly onward. You Mingxu set down her chopsticks and looked up to see Luo Yu's pensive profile.

When he wasn't being obnoxious or scheming, his quiet demeanor actually seemed quite upright. Lean, sturdy, with sharp features, he carried the intellectual and efficient aura unique to legal professionals. His appearance could be considered handsome, with a touch of nobility in his brows and eyes.

Watching him gaze quietly into the distance, You Mingxu found him utterly different from his usual eccentric and detestable self. A strange feeling stirred within her.

Then, abruptly, as if a flash of light crossed her mind, she blurted out, "You're not... an undercover agent, are you?"

Luo Yu paused, frowned at her, and even chuckled. "What did you say?"

Judging by his reaction, he wasn't.

You Mingxu quickly dismissed the possibility in her mind as well. Too many things didn't add up.

If he were an undercover agent, why had he pursued her so aggressively before? He'd almost resorted to every despicable trick in the book. What undercover agent would have the leisure to bother a female police officer?

His actions toward Ahua were clearly a case of criminals turning on each other—he hadn't hesitated to shoot and kill. If he were a police undercover, it would make more sense to observe quietly and play the long game.

He had been present at the scene of Guo Xing's murder. If he were an undercover, how could he not have intervened? Or at least leaked clues to the police.

Moreover, the crucial evidence missing from Guo Xing's body still hadn't been found. If he were an undercover, he should have handed it over long ago. Yet, their superiors were still troubled by its absence.

You Mingxu maintained her composure and smiled lightly. "Just a random question."

Luo Yu sneered and said, "Don't think of the police as so noble. In this world, no one is cleaner than anyone else." Then his expression shifted, turning somewhat flirtatious. "Of course, if you really like the idea, I could wash my hands of this and take the exam to become a judge. After all, the police, prosecutors, and courts are all one happy family."

You Mingxu ignored him.

Luo Yu was undoubtedly on the wrong side of the law. But whom he secretly worked for remained unclear for now. Whatever schemes he had in store for her, You Mingxu had already taken the bait. She would meet his moves with countermeasures, advance step by step, and believed she could eventually uncover his true intentions.

"Come, let's toast," Luo Yu said, raising his wine glass.

You Mingxu raised hers as well. Both wore faint smiles as they clinked glasses and drank everything in one go.

"I'll take you back," Luo Yu said.

You Mingxu didn't refuse.Luo Yu had one of his subordinates drive while he sat in the back seat with You Mingxu. He seemed somewhat exhausted as well, closing his eyes to rest. You Mingxu was content with the quiet.

After driving for a while, Luo Yu's phone rang. He opened his eyes, which still showed traces of bloodshot fatigue, but his voice immediately turned steady and respectful when he answered: "Boss."

Xing Jifu asked, "Where are you?"

Luo Yu replied, "Taking Mingxu home."

Xing Jifu gave an acknowledging hum and said, "Come see me after you drop her off. There's something I need to assign to you."

Luo Yu glanced at You Mingxu and said, "Alright."

Xing Jifu seemed to notice his hesitation and chuckled, "What, unwilling? Choosing beauty over duty? It's about the southern matter."

Luo Yu immediately laughed and said, "Not at all! I know what's important. I'll head over right after dropping her off."

After hanging up, You Mingxu noticed him lost in thought, his expression revealing nothing.

You Mingxu asked, "What's wrong?"

Luo Yu looked at her with an inscrutable gaze, then glanced at the driver in the front seat before leaning closer to whisper in her ear, "Xing Jifu just called—it seems he's about to hand something over to me. Care to guess what it is?"

You Mingxu leaned away and asked, "What is it?"

But Luo Yu suddenly grinned, a smug look flashing across his features, and said, "Want to know? I have a spare room at my place. Move in tomorrow, and I'll tell you."

——

You Mingxu got out of Luo Yu's car, entered the residential complex, and headed upstairs. As she approached her apartment door, she was still mulling over Luo Yu's earlier demeanor and actions.

Luo Yu couldn't search her every day, and she had been carrying listening and tracking devices with her all day. So every conversation she had with Luo Yu and the others had been clearly heard by Jing Ping and Xu Mengshan.

At that moment, Jing Ping chimed in the four-person group chat: "What Xing Jifu plans to hand over to him is likely related to the Yunnan operation."

Xu Mengshan said, "That guy's methods are indeed sharp. Sis You, you're not actually considering moving in with him, are you?"

You Mingxu felt a headache coming on: "Move in with him, my foot!"

The fourth person in the group remained silent the entire time.

As she turned the corner on the stairs, she spotted someone standing at her doorstep.

Yin Feng had changed out of his golf attire and was back in his black wool coat. His handsome features stood out as he stood there, though it was unclear how long he had been waiting. In his hand, he carried a black bag, bulging with unknown contents.

You Mingxu walked over. He stepped aside from the door. She took out her keys to unlock it, but he pressed his hand against the door, preventing her from closing it. Without a word, she let him follow her inside, and he closed the door behind them.