Hearing this, Chen Yu spoke with a hint of helplessness, “I’ll go apply for it.”
No matter what Ruan Xingyao requested, as long as she brought it up, he would always go and apply.
Ruan Xingyao also realized she might have made a few too many requests.
She rubbed her forehead and said, “I don’t have any other requests.”
Chen Yu replied, “Don’t hold back—say whatever you need.”
He wanted to prove to her that he was on her side.
Ruan Xingyao thought for a moment, then shook her head. “No, that’s all for now.”
After all, having Yi Wenxue along would already be a great help.
And bringing Baiyi wasn’t about practicality—it was because she and Baiyi needed each other.
Ruan Xingzhuo sat cross-legged beside Baiyi, gently stroking its back, his mood sinking even further.
Ruan Xingyao’s upcoming business trip was clearly going to take a long time, with no clear return date—and it was full of danger.
Yet he couldn’t go with her.
How could he not worry? How could he not feel lost?
You Huan noticed Ruan Xingzhuo’s mood.
Quietly, she sat down next to him, tilting her head to look at him.
She would stay by his side.
Always, always.
Although Ruan Xingyao noticed this, she didn’t say anything more.
She called Yi Wenxue and the others to join her in the dining room, where they all sat around the table.
Time was tight—they needed to make proper plans.
The four of them began a small meeting in advance.
Their next destination was near the border with a neighboring country.
According to the documents Chen Yu had sent Ruan Xingyao, the stolen “Zai Zai” had already been smuggled abroad.
Their mission was to bring Zai Zai back safely.
Everyone knew how chaotic that border region was.
Even its geography alone made it a challenge.
Xie Lin had already worked with the higher-ups to prepare two detailed routes.
He unfolded a printed map and said to Ruan Xingyao, “Yaoyao, we have two options. One is to cross through the mountains—it’s the most hidden route, but also the most dangerous. The other is to go through the city disguised as tourists, but that carries a higher risk of exposure.”
Ruan Xingyao carefully studied the routes Xie Lin provided, then asked, “You want me to make the decision?”
Xie Lin said, “We’re just here to support you and provide information. All the decisions are yours.”
Ruan Xingyao nodded. “Alright, then I’ll take the mountain route.”
She decided without hesitation—for her and Yi Wenxue, traversing the mountains would clearly be easier.
However…
She lifted her gaze toward Xie Lin and asked, “Can you handle it?”
There was no condescension in her tone—just a realistic question.
Xie Lin replied, “I’ll be fine.”
Ruan Xingyao then turned to Chen Yu, her eyes questioning.
Chen Yu gave a wry smile. “Xingxing, do you have some kind of misunderstanding about me?”
He was, after all, a properly trained police officer—and had graduated top of his class.
Ruan Xingyao said, “Not really. It’s just that… you don’t look like someone that capable.”
He was too handsome—his build wasn’t rugged, but rather refined—so people tended to overlook that side of him.
Chen Yu chuckled. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”
It was easy to hear that he was genuinely a bit proud.
At the very least, in his heart, Chen Yu took Ruan Xingyao’s straightforward comment about his looks as proof that he had the upper hand over Xie Lin.
Men’s competitiveness could be that simple.
Xie Lin’s eyes sharpened slightly.
Though he did feel a little uncomfortable inside, he wasn’t actually upset about Ruan Xingyao’s acknowledgment of Chen Yu’s appearance.
After all, everything Chen Yu currently had—he himself had once experienced before.
In truth, to Ruan Xingyao, her words were nothing but an objective statement.
They didn’t mean she had any special feelings for either of them.
Clearly, Chen Yu hadn’t realized that yet.
Ruan Xingyao was unaware of the little rivalry brewing between the men.
She turned back to Xie Lin and asked, “What about the others? Are you sure everyone’s fine?”
Xie Lin replied, “Don’t worry. Everyone coming along is highly trained. No one will slow us down.”
Ruan Xingyao said, “Then it’s settled—we’ll take the mountain route.”
Xie Lin nodded. “Alright, I’ll report it.”
Ruan Xingyao had no more questions.
She stood up and said, “I’m going to pack.”
Xie Lin also rose to his feet and said, “Then I’ll head back for now.”
Ruan Xingyao responded casually with a simple “Mm,” already busy unpacking the things she had bought earlier.
Xie Lin sighed inwardly, choosing not to say anything more before leaving quietly.
As Ruan Xingyao sorted through her things, she suddenly remembered something and turned to Yi Wenxue. “Seventeenth Senior Brother, do you need to prepare anything?”
Yi Wenxue pointed at the suitcase he had brought with him.
“No need. Qi Jun and the others already prepared everything thoroughly.”
Ruan Xingyao let out an “Oh,” then said, “But we do need to prepare some things for Baiyi.”
Ever since Baiyi had started living with Zhao Wanying, it had been completely pampered.
Even earlier, when it first followed Ruan Xingyao, it had suffered a little during that short period—but once Ruan Xingyao’s financial situation improved, Baiyi’s standard of living rose right along with hers.
Especially after You Huan moved in with them, Baiyi had been spoiled beyond measure.
Now that it was going on a trip with her, Ruan Xingyao could only imagine how rough it was going to have it this time.
Thinking that, she decided she should talk to Baiyi—maybe it would be better to let it stay home.
At that moment, Baiyi was full and drowsy, lying beside Ruan Xingzhuo and You Huan’s feet, half-asleep.
But when it heard Ruan Xingyao mention its name, it immediately lifted its head, gazing at her with bright, eager eyes.
Ruan Xingyao’s heart instantly melted into a puddle.
She waved at Baiyi, motioning for it to come over.
Baiyi pattered over to Ruan Xingyao, wagging its tail.
“Werwerwerwer? Werwerwerwer?”
【Xingxing? What do you need me for?】
Ruan Xingyao asked, “Baiyi, if you come with me, there won’t be all these delicious things to eat anymore. Are you still willing to go?”
Baiyi: “Werwerwerwer! Werwerwerwer!”
【Xingxing, can’t you take food with you?】
Ruan Xingyao couldn’t help laughing — this little guy was getting smarter and smarter.
She said, “I can only bring a little, but… we don’t know when we’ll be back. It’s very possible you’ll go hungry soon after.”
Baiyi: “Werwerwerwer! Werwerwerwer!”
【Then Xingxing, would you… would you kill dog and eat if you got hungry?】
Ruan Xingyao flicked Baiyi lightly on the head. “How could I ever! You’re my baby — I’d never kill you for food!”
Baiyi: “Werwerwerwer! Werwerwerwer!”
【Then it’s okay. Dog doesn’t mind being hungry. Dog just wants to stay with Xingxing.】
Ruan Xingyao’s heart melted completely at Baiyi’s sweet words.
She hugged its head and rubbed her cheek against it.
Just for that, she thought, there was no way she could leave Baiyi behind!
Ruan Xingyao said, “Don’t worry! As long as you’re with me, I’ll never let you go hungry!”
— The end of the Chapter–
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