Chen Yong’s raised arm was suddenly grabbed by Xu Chengan. In both height and presence, he completely overpowered him.
Chen Yong winced in pain, frowning, as Xu Chengan released his arm with a cold expression.
Chen Yong staggered back two steps before barely regaining his balance. Though unwilling to accept it, he didn’t dare show it on his face.
Xu Chengan’s aura was truly intimidating. When those eyes looked at someone, it felt as if they could see through their past and present lives.
Even someone with nothing to hide would feel nervous in front of him.
“Officer Xu, what brings you here?” Lu Wan beamed, completely unafraid of him.
After that day, he hadn’t appeared again. She thought he didn’t want to deal with her anymore.
All her pent-up emotions had piled up, and at a certain point—even a small matter could become the last straw that broke the camel’s back, making her lose control.
She knew she was becoming overly dependent on him.
But she just couldn’t stop wanting to get close to him.
Was this what they called instinctive attraction?
“The verdict for Wen Qingfeng’s poisoning case is out. He’ll be sent to the northwest tomorrow for reform through labor. Before leaving, he said he wants to see you.”
Xu Chengan’s voice wasn’t loud, but every word was clear enough for everyone present to hear.
The crowd immediately understood—since the verdict was already issued, everything Lu Wan said was true.
Sure enough, with a stepmother came trouble. Who knew how badly Lu Wan had been treated all these years?
People began looking at Lin Zhenzhen with hostility. How dare she still come and pester Lu Wan?
Hearing Wen Qingfeng’s name, Lu Wan’s smile visibly faded, her expression dim and heartbreaking.
“I don’t want to see him.”
After everything Wen Qingfeng had done to the original Lu Wan, even being struck by lightning wouldn’t be too harsh. Who would want to see his disgusting face?
Besides, she wasn’t even the original Lu Wan.
“If you don’t want to go, then don’t,” Xu Chengan said, unable to bear seeing her upset. “Let’s go. I’ll take you home.”
He had thought that with Director Liu protecting her at the textile factory, she wouldn’t be bullied—but apparently, he was wrong.
Lu Wan brightened immediately. “Okay, okay!”
Seeing her smile again, Xu Chengan finally relaxed.
As they were about to leave, Lin Zhenzhen hurried after them. “Officer Xu, can I see my dad? I want to bring him some clothes.”
At this moment, Lin Zhenzhen couldn’t distance herself from Wen Qingfeng. After all, he had raised her for years and treated her well. If she showed no concern, she would only appear cold-hearted.
By doing this, she could instead gain a good reputation.
After all, parents—even if they made mistakes—still hoped their children would be filial.
“You can. He’ll be leaving tomorrow morning. There will be time arranged for family visits,” Xu Chengan replied calmly, his emotions unreadable.
However, Lin Zhenzhen keenly felt that Xu Chengan seemed especially concerned about Lu Wan.
Just now, he had deliberately announced Wen Qingfeng’s sentencing in front of everyone—clearly to help Lu Wan.
After speaking, Xu Chengan turned and left with Lu Wan.
Meanwhile, Chen Yong chased after them. “Zhenzhen, I’ll go with you. Wen Wan is too heartless. No matter what, your dad raised her.”
Lin Zhenzhen gently shook her head, still maintaining her kind and generous appearance. “Don’t say that.”
With the excitement over, the crowd gradually dispersed. The rumors about Lu Wan stealing Lin Zhenzhen’s job completely disappeared.
Xu Chengan deliberately slowed his pace to match Lu Wan, but still kept about a one-meter distance between them.
Every time Lu Wan moved closer, he subtly stepped away to avoid gossip that might harm her reputation.
Lu Wan pouted. It wasn’t like she would suddenly throw herself into his arms in public.
He was really on guard against her.
Still, she wasn’t angry.
If anything, it showed he had strong character.
After all, ever since kindergarten, she had never lacked boys confessing to her.
She had no interest in those overly eager suitors—just a bunch of immature kids.
Even in university, many elite businessmen and wealthy second-generation heirs had pursued her, but she felt nothing for them.
“Officer Xu, I found a job.”
“Mm.”
When he went to look for her, Aunt Zhang next door had already told him.
“I’m a broadcaster! I only work two hours a day. The rest of the time I can drink tea, read newspapers, and listen to broadcasts—then organize the content and report it to everyone.”
Lu Wan chattered nonstop beside him. Her voice was soft and pleasant—not annoying at all, but rather something that made people want to keep listening.
Several times she tried to move closer, but Xu Chengan always found a way to maintain the distance.
Still, there was a faint smile at the corner of his lips the entire time.
Lu Wan took out her key and opened the door. Looking at Xu Chengan standing outside, she said, “Come in!”
Xu Chengan had only planned to escort her home before leaving. He had come during his lunch break.
Before he could refuse, Lu Wan said in a half-playful, half-coquettish tone, “Come in—what, do you think I’ll eat you?”
With that, she reached out and pulled his arm.
A grown man like Xu Chengan was actually dragged inside by her.
Lu Wan smiled, closed the door behind them, and looked at him. “Officer Xu, are you afraid of me?”
Xu Chengan coughed lightly. “Comrade Wen Wan, please maintain a one-meter distance.”
Lu Wan ignored him and stepped even closer.
“Call me Lu Wan from now on. Don’t you remember? I changed my surname—you were the one who helped transfer my household registration.”
Xu Chengan’s fingers pressed against his trouser seams. He had never been pushed into such an awkward position before.
“Lu Wan. Keep your distance.”
Lu Wan wasn’t afraid at all, her voice soft and teasing. “No.”
A vein throbbed on Xu Chengan’s forehead, and his heart was pounding, though his face remained calm.
Behind him was the door—there was nowhere left to retreat.
He turned to open it, intending to leave, but Lu Wan raised her hand to block the lock.
“Xu Chengan, why won’t you look at me?”
She no longer called him “Officer Xu,” but addressed him by name.
Xu Chengan took a breath, suppressing his emotions. “Lu Wan, move aside.”
He was a passionate man too—how could he withstand this kind of teasing?
Now he finally understood why so many people fell for beauty traps.
“I said no!” Lu Wan stepped in front of the door, clearly blocking his way.
She didn’t believe Xu Chengan felt nothing for her.
Otherwise, he wouldn’t have carefully checked her windows, repaired any damage, and replaced the locks on both the door and her room—more attentive than even Uncle Liu.
And the stove, and the coal briquettes.
Aunt Zhang had been amazed, asking how she managed to get so many briquettes at once.
Lu Wan told the truth—that Officer Xu had helped her.
Aunt Zhang gave her a knowing look and asked if they were dating.
Otherwise, even a police officer dedicated to serving the people wouldn’t go that far.
Only then did Lu Wan realize—it wasn’t just her who felt something.
Blushing, she lowered her head and didn’t deny it.
After all, she wasn’t afraid of him confronting her—if he dared, he could report her for spreading rumors.
Aunt Zhang had told her that coal briquettes were in short supply. What she had was enough for a family of four for a whole year.
Many people couldn’t even buy them and had to make their own from coal residue—and even then, couldn’t gather enough.
Xu Chengan had spent both money and effort—he must have even called in favors.
Seeing that he didn’t push her away, Lu Wan gathered her courage and moved closer.
For the first time in her life—aside from family—she wanted to be close to someone like this.
She didn’t know if this was love.
But it was definitely liking.
Holding his arm, she gently shook it and said softly:
“Officer Xu… I like you. I want to date you.”