It was nearly nine o'clock when they arrived at Su Yue's dormitory building.
From afar, Chen Ziming spotted the striking figure waiting there. Closer still, he could see the gift bag she held in her hand.
He suddenly understood her intention.
“Is this a gift for Uncle Chi?” he asked with a smile after she got into the car.
“Mhm, hurry up and drive. The cemetery closes at ten,” she replied while fastening her seatbelt.
The man chuckled softly, then reached out to ruffle her hair. He gently said, “You’re so good, my dear,” before starting the car and heading towards the cemetery.
On the road, he couldn't hold back and proactively confessed all the details of his time with Chi Yiran.
His confession was first met with silence, then a drawn-out “Oh.”
Seemingly understanding her way of handling things, Chen Ziming didn’t mind.
After another period of quiet, a belated voice came from the passenger seat:
“She sat in my seat?”
The words "my seat" were deliberately emphasized.
He couldn’t help but laugh. When they stopped at a red light, he pinched her cheek. “Did you listen well to what I said and let her sit in the back?”
Another “Oh” was his response.
It was good that she hadn't occupied his seat. While she didn't like to fight for dominance, it didn't mean she was entirely indifferent.
Upon arriving at the Martyrs' Cemetery, the guards at the entrance were quite surprised, as it was rare for anyone to visit so late.
“Are you scared?” Chen Ziming suddenly asked as they walked along the path.
There was no moon in the sky that night; it was pitch black, with only the dimly lit lampposts of the cemetery illuminating their path.
“Why should I be scared?” Su Yue asked, looking up at him as they walked, a hint of confusion in her voice.
Before the man could answer, she continued, “Green hills are honored to bury loyal bones. Although this is a cemetery, I feel very safe here.”
Not just safe, but even warm.
People who were just and brave loved this country in life and protected its people.
Even if they had turned into souls, they were still heroic spirits.
“Your ideological awareness is excellent. I declare you a qualified police officer’s family member,” he said, tightening his grip on her hand, a look of relief on his face.
Su Yue was speechless.
When they reached Officer Chi’s tombstone, she took out the gift. Chen Ziming then realized it was a star-shaped solar light.
If there was sunlight during the day, it would collect energy and sway gently with the light.
At night, it would emit a warm yellow light, not overshadowing the existing lights in front of the tombstone.
“Happy birthday, Uncle Chi,” she said softly as she crouched down to place the star.
Chen Ziming stood behind her, watching her slender back enveloped by the lamplight, as if a soft, milky white glow had been cast upon her.
Beautiful and gentle.
He couldn't help but curve his lips.
“Happy birthday, Uncle Chi,” he echoed, crouching down as well. He looked at the photo on the tombstone, his voice gentle.
They chatted about their visit to his home that day and about the conditions of Grandma and Mother Chi.
They stayed until the cemetery was about to close, leaving only after being urged by the guards.
“The dormitory must be closed by now, right?” Chen Ziming asked, glancing sideways at her as he warmed up the car.
“Mhm, I have nowhere to go. Please take me home, Officer Chen,” Su Yue replied, fastening her seatbelt.
Her tone carried a hint of teasing and possessiveness.
“Our house rules state I can only accommodate you from Friday to Sunday,” the man in the driver’s seat said, feigning difficulty.
Su Yue: ???
“Then drop me off at the Yuluo Street police station. I’ll report it to Uncle Police,” she answered calmly.
Upon hearing this, Chen Ziming burst into laughter. “Uncle Police is right beside you. Who else are you looking for?”
He paused, then added, “Seeing how beautiful you look today, I'll bend the rules just this once. But…”
His tone lifted, playfully mysterious.
“Well, I’ll sleep with you. Sleep with you as compensation, okay?” Su Yue asked with a smile, looking at him.
Her suggestion clearly pleased him. She watched as the smile deepened on his handsome face, and he reached out to hold her hand, his thumb gently rubbing her palm.
He seemed to be in a very good mood.
Su Yue lowered her eyes, looking at his attractive hand. She recalled the conversation she had with her advisor this week.
After they slept, and he was in an even better mood… she would tell him then.