SDT 79

Chapter 79  Your Scent

A few days after the judgment came out, Yu Xiaowen needed to bring the court’s certificate and reapply for all his identification that had been canceled and voided. After everything was processed, he would submit them to the city bureau to apply for reinstatement. Then he would wait for the higher office to review and issue his approval.

After he finished all that, Lu Kongyun took him to the hospital for another full checkup to ensure that his previous illness had completely recovered. Then he contacted a reliable doctor to perform a small minimally invasive operation.

….

Ten days later, the recovery period ended. Yu Xiaowen finally understood what it was like when a top Alpha went all the way.

Next came the waiting for work resumption. These days were idle. Since his mind held no burden, it was pure idleness. There were rarely times in Yu Xiaowen’s life when he could stay so empty-minded and do nothing. So, as a new lover in his first relationship, he had even more time to immerse himself in experiencing this strange connection.

On an afternoon when light rain pattered outside the window, he lay on the bed with his legs lifted. He scrolled through their chat history again and again, and he couldn’t help sending a new message.

He typed: I miss you. ><

Doctor Lu replied: Still at work.

Yu Xiaowen typed: You think I don’t know you’re at work?

He typed: You should reply, “I miss you too, sweetheart.”

The other replied: I miss you too. Sweetheart.

When he saw the reply, he typed immediately: Use voice.

After a while, the other sent a voice message. Yu Xiaowen tapped it to listen.

“I miss you too. Sweetheart.”

After hearing it, he threw the phone aside and buried his hot head under the blanket. He kicked the bed and pressed against the pillow.

Then he picked up the phone again, gathered energy, and commanded: Say kiss.”

This time it took longer. He received a soft voice message.

“See you at home, kiss.”

He listened again.

He listened again.

He listened again.

Yu Xiaowen rolled on the bed. He wrapped himself inside the blanket like a scallion pancake, then rolled out. He rolled in again, then rolled out again.

He giggled and made small noises.

The phone vibrated again. He stuck his red face out from the blanket and grabbed it. Another voice message. He played it immediately.

He first exhaled, as if he was holding back something. Then he said: “Lately I always want to leave work on time. Is that right?”

Yu Xiaowen froze for a moment. Then, acting shameless, he kissed the little dog avatar on the screen.

…

Half a month later, Yu Xiaowen finally received notice from the city bureau to resume duty and report for work. He started his normal job again. Soon he returned to the busy criminal police life from two years ago. The difference was that now he needed to report his location regularly, what time he left work, whether he had overtime, and until what time.

But of course he didn’t find it annoying. He thought that every question from that dog avatar felt like a plea for attention. It was too cute.

There were also messages like “Smoke less,” “I bought a coffee machine for your office,” and “Benefits of black coffee,” all with a heavy tone of medical advice.

He giggled. Lu Kongyun was adorable.

…

They were both very busy, but whenever they had time off together, Yu Xiaowen would take the initiative to plan something. He had fantasized for so long that now he had many ideas to carry out. A one-day trip to Guava Beach (without chasing thieves), holding hands through the crowded tourist street like out-of-town visitors while buying matching souvenirs, or visiting art exhibitions that he didn’t understand but still found pretty nice afterward. He fully enjoyed the fun of “being in a relationship with Lu Kongyun” under every possible situation, and he never got tired of it.

He also bought a set of Manjing No. 6 Middle School uniforms online and wore them himself to make up for the lost time of regret.

Lu Kongyun finished a military meeting and came to Wax Apple Alley. He opened the door of Yu Xiaowen’s home while unbuttoning the collar of his uniform and walked inside. Then he saw Yu Xiaowen sitting at the table in the school uniform, waiting for him.

When Yu Xiaowen saw him enter, he excitedly spread open a textbook. “Classmate Lu, let’s study together.”

Lu Kongyun looked at him for more than ten seconds.

(……)

…

A few months later, Yu Xiaowen’s application for the Silver Conch Medal was approved. The awarding ceremony took place in the city bureau’s main conference hall.

Besides the directors from the Public Security Bureau and the Police Department, personnel from the military related to the case also attended as guests. Lu Qifeng and Lu Kongyun were both there. Sitting among the guests, Lu Kongyun looked toward the crowd in the audience, where the city bureau members sat together. They were all cheerful, surrounding Yu Xiaowen, who wore a police uniform and looked both nervous and excited, chatting nonstop.

Lu Kongyun looked at Yu Xiaowen’s smiling face and asked Lu Qifeng, “How did the investigation go?”

Lu Qifeng also looked toward the other side and answered, “Don’t ask. None of your business.”

Lu Kongyun said, “Then don’t forget what you promised me. You owe an apology.”

Lu Qifeng let out a cold laugh but didn’t respond.

The ceremony began. The speakers played the kind of music usually used at award events.

“What the hell, are they kidding? Can’t they make it more serious?” Lu Qifeng sneered. “Lu Kongyun, are you really completely under that little wild chick’s thumb?”

Lu Kongyun said, “Brother, those who can’t get anything shouldn’t worry about me.”

Lu Qifeng stayed silent for a long time.

The bureau chief began to read the report. He first listed the attending guests, then spoke about Yu Xiaowen’s heroic past, then briefly described the thrilling case, and finally moved to the speech section.

Lu Qifeng yawned and said, “I should find time to talk to Yu Xiaowen.”

Lu Kongyun turned his head. “What are you planning?”

Lu Qifeng saw his surprised face and raised an eyebrow, looking at him with pity, as if mocking an idiot. “You scared? You think I’ll steal him? You think your little wild chick will like any Alpha he meets?”

Chief Li said, “Now please have Comrade Yu Xiaowen come to the stage to take the oath and receive the honorary medal.”

Amid the warm applause from the people below the stage, Yu Xiaowen stood up, straightened his posture, and walked up proudly.

Lu Kongyun turned back to look at him and began to clap too.

Lu Qifeng said again, “Actually, I already apologized to him.”

Lu Kongyun had to turn his head again. His tone turned harsh. “You talked to him alone?”

“What, he didn’t tell you?” Lu Qifeng snorted. “I also asked him for information about the person I’m looking for. He said, I was only doing my duty and stayed professional, so I didn’t need to apologize to him. He said if I wanted to apologize, I should apologize to Ye Yisan, who died innocently.”

The leading officer said, “Loyal to the country.”

Yu Xiaowen said, “Loyal to the country.”

The officer said, “Serve the people.”

Yu Xiaowen said, “Serve the people.”

“Heh. Don’t think I don’t know you two teamed up to fool me.” Lu Qifeng clenched his teeth, then frowned. “Tell me, does Yu Xiaowen still like Ye Yisan? He’s still protecting him like that.”

“Dead. He’s dead.” Lu Kongyun’s tone was firm.

Lu Qifeng drew a breath, stayed still for a long time, then exhaled slowly and scoffed. “Hmph.”

Lu Kongyun said again, “He only ever liked me. He didn’t like Ye Yisan. He won’t like you either.”

The leading officer said, “Stay loyal and dedicate your life to the noble cause of the people’s safety.”

Yu Xiaowen said, “Stay loyal and dedicate my life to the noble cause of the people’s safety.”

Lu Kongyun looked at one fool among the policemen below, Xu Jie, whose face was covered with tears. “He doesn’t like other idiots either.”

Lu Qifeng only sneered.

He looked at Yu Xiaowen, who now beamed with pride and confidence, no longer carrying the pitiful look of a fugitive. Then he thought of Ye Yisan, who was still missing.

He meaningfully squinted.

The Director of the Public Security Department placed the Silver Conch Medal around Yu Xiaowen’s neck, then gave him a big hug. A long and enthusiastic applause followed.

Yu Xiaowen saluted in several directions. When he saw Lu Kongyun, he grinned and winked at him.

Lu Kongyun smiled in return.

The man wearing the medal blushed.

The department leader tilted his head toward Chief Li and said, “Look at the officer you trained. What kind of behavior is that, winking at the leaders on stage?”

Chief Li held back his words and thought.

…You’ll understand once you receive the wedding invitation.

….

After the ceremony, Lu Kongyun parked the car across from the police bureau. He leaned against it and waited while Yu Xiaowen’s colleagues gathered at the entrance to take group photos.

“Lu Kongyun.” He heard someone call his name. When he turned his head, Ms. Chen was walking toward him.

“Did you come to attend Yu Xiaowen’s award ceremony?” Ms. Chen asked.

“Yes. Why did you come to the police bureau?”

“I came to help a friend with something,” Ms. Chen said. “It’s Lawyer Xia, the one who handled the case. She has plenty of connections herself, I don’t know why she asked me to help. But since I’ve known her for so long and she rarely asks for favors, I couldn’t refuse.”

Ms. Chen smiled.

Lu Kongyun said, “She’s an excellent lawyer.”

“Yeah. She seems quite famous in this field,” Ms. Chen said with a smile.

While they spoke, Lu Kongyun looked toward the group taking pictures.

He had clearly noticed from the corner of his eye that Yu Xiaowen had looked this way earlier, which made him turn his head unconsciously to find him. But when he turned fully, he saw Yu Xiaowen chatting and laughing with his colleagues, as if he had never looked this way at all.

Lu Kongyun continued watching Yu Xiaowen. As expected, Yu Xiaowen secretly glanced over again soon, this time at Ms. Chen, who was smiling at Lu Kongyun. But then he quickly forced a smile, acted casual, and turned back to his coworkers.

Lu Kongyun stopped moving and starting feeling gloomy.

Yu Xiaowen couldn’t resist and sneaked a third glance. This time his gaze landed on Lu Kongyun himself. Lu Kongyun was already looking at him. The grievance on his face was too obvious, and Yu Xiaowen was surprised.

Ms. Chen continued talking. “Because I helped her this time, I’ll need to go to the court session next week.”

While she spoke, Lu Kongyun stopped looking at Yu Xiaowen and turned back to her.

“I’ve never gone to watch one before…” Ms. Chen stopped through her words. She looked behind him. Then heard the sound of light and quick footsteps, drawing closer until they stopped beside him.

Lu Kongyun turned his head and saw Yu Xiaowen smiling at him. His face carried a friendly grin as he moved his feet closer little by little, closing the distance between them in a subtle way.

Lu Kongyun said, “….”

The gloom on his face disappeared, replaced by his usual expression.

“…Ms. Chen.” Yu Xiaowen turned to the other side and spoke with a polite, slightly awkward laugh. “Hello.”

“Officer Yu, hello. Congratulations.” Ms. Chen smiled warmly and extended her hand. Then she looked at Lu Kongyun and said, “Next time, let’s invite Lawyer Xia too. The four of us can have dinner together.”

Lu Kongyun didn’t answer, so Yu Xiaowen spoke for him. “Sure.”

She checked her watch and said, “My appointment time’s almost up. I have to go. See you.”

Ms. Chen walked toward the police bureau. The two men stood silent.

After a while, Yu Xiaowen hooked Lu Kongyun’s finger gently and said, “What’s wrong with you? Are you unhappy that I got the Silver Conch?”

Lu Kongyun exhaled softly, turned back, and hugged him.

“How could I be? Welcome back, Officer Yu.”

From Lu Kongyun’s point of view, the colleagues at the bureau gate cheered and then pulled out their phones to take photos.

Yu Xiaowen struggled a bit and pushed him away. He felt embarrassed, and his ears and cheeks were burning. “Everyone’s watching.”

“We’re the kind of couple meant to be seen,” Lu Kongyun said. “Are you afraid your fierce Omega image will collapse?”

After he spoke, he sniffed. “What’s that weird smell on you?”

“Huh?” Yu Xiaowen sniffed himself. “Weird?” He sniffed again. “Really weird? I think it smells nice.”

Lu Kongyun let go of him and sniffed again. “Perfume?”

“…Yeah. I smelled it on a Beta colleague earlier. She said it’s a popular pheromone perfume now, it creates a pheromone-like scent when sprayed. It’s tropical fruit scent. I thought it smelled nice, so I tried some.”

Yu Xiaowen lifted his arm. “Smell it. Did I turn into a good fruit?”

Lu Kongyun coughed and rested his arm on the roof of the car. “You even believed the nonsense I said when you blackmailed me. You believe toys made to fool Betas too. How do you believe everything? It smells awful. Don’t use this again.”

“Oh.”

Yu Xiaowen scratched his head and tried to open the car door, but Lu Kongyun stopped him. “Don’t get in. Wait until the smell fades.”

“Top Alphas are really picky about smells.” Yu Xiaowen also leaned his arms on the roof and looked at him. “Then how do you stand my scent? What do I smell like to you?”

Lu Kongyun thought seriously and answered, “Before, when you confused my sense of smell with red wine, I thought it wasn’t very similar. But that time you rubbed redberry flower juice on me, I thought it was. The crushed redberry flowers in full bloom, the juice squeezed out of them, and that warmth.”

Yu Xiaowen rested his face on his arm and rubbed it. “So. You like it?”

Lu Kongyun fanned his body, hoping the perfume scent would fade faster.

“Your perfume confirms that for me even more.”

Yu Xiaowen laughed softly.

“I like your scent too.”

Lu Kongyun’s hand paused. “Didn’t you say I’m an Alpha who smells like a Beta?”

Yu Xiaowen moved closer and flared his nose. Even though he could only smell his own tropical fruit scent now and couldn’t smell him at all, he could still recall that feeling.

“It exists. It’s just hard to describe. It’s like the scent that trees and grass release after the rain. The scent itself doesn’t matter. What matters is that it tells me it has rained, but the rain has stopped. The sun is about to come out. So I feel happy, I feel warmth coming, and I feel a bit of expectation.”

If such a description came from someone good at expressing emotions, it might sound polished or embellished. But since it came from Yu Xiaowen, it must be because he had felt it deeply and remembered it sincerely.

Lu Kongyun looked at him, and the corners of his mouth lifted slightly.

Yu Xiaowen rolled his eyes and sniffed his own fruity scent seriously, judging whether it was really that bad. Lu Kongyun watched him, then lifted his hand, touched his cheek, slid to the back of his neck, wrapped around his shoulder, and pulled him close, squeezing his shoulder. “Get in the car.”