Chapter 9: Zhu Yuan

Ye Qingfeng quietly observed Zhu Yuan’s attire and figure.

She wore a custom-made police uniform: deep navy fabric fitted her form precisely, over which she draped a black cloak; the shoulder epaulets bore metallic badges emitting a golden glow.

Like the first ray of dawn, symbolizing her duty and honor.

Tall and slender, standing about one meter seventy-five, her leather pants accentuated perfect proportions.

Though fully covered, her upright chest could not be hidden; her slender waist was cinched by a black belt, revealing alluring curves.

Her long, straight legs were firm and elastic, making him want to touch them.

With legs like these? Perfect score!

“It’s every officer’s duty. My name is Zhu Yuan.”

Zhu Yuan’s expression was stern, her voice resolute and powerful!

“With officers like Zhu Yuan upholding justice in New Aelius, we truly feel safe.”

【Ding! Zhu Yuan’s affection increased by 5%. Current affection: 15%】

(Don’t think affection rises too fast—each rank-up slows the rate.)

And Zhu Yuan’s personality is serious at work, but ordinary like any girl after hours.

If Qingyi were here, such praise might do nothing—or even lower affection if she spotted the protagonist’s trick.

“Haha! Mr. Ye Qingfeng, please come with me to the Bureau of Public Order. I’ll personally award you a medal and cash reward for your bravery.”

Zhu Yuan’s tone softened, becoming warmer; her gaze toward Ye Qingfeng grew more affectionate.

Seeing Ye Qingfeng agree, Zhu Yuan turned toward the fugitive, her expression returning to its usual sternness, tinged with distaste.

She cuffed his hands behind his back without hesitation, then turned to Ye Qingfeng and said gently, “Alright, let’s go, Mr. Ye.”

Fugitive: Wait, what? You just switched personalities?

“Good. Officer Zhu Yuan, you’re impressively efficient.”

“Really? Did I scare you?”

Walking side by side, they chatted naturally—as if they were a couple, if not for Zhu Yuan’s uniform and the weak, helpless fugitive between them.

“Officer Zhu Yuan, weren’t you almost off duty if you hadn’t chased this fugitive?”

“Yeah… this guy really can run!”

Zhu Yuan frowned slightly, complaining to Ye Qingfeng beside her.

“Officer Zhu Yuan, we’re probably around the same age…”

Zhu Yuan turned curiously to look at Ye Qingfeng, studying his face and figure.

He wore ordinary casual clothes, yet they suited him with remarkable poise; his refined features were envied by most girls.

Their conversation was so engaging she couldn’t help talking for a long time.

He felt… extremely suitable as a potential partner…

Her parents had been bringing this up often lately; thinking of it, her cheeks flushed faintly.

Ye Qingfeng suddenly noticed she was no longer beside him. He turned and saw Zhu Yuan standing still, head bowed, her flushed face turned toward the ground.

So adorably shy—he couldn’t resist teasing this dedicated officer.

“Zhu Yuan? Officer Zhu Yuan?”

Ye Qingfeng stepped before her, leaning down slightly to whisper her name.

“Ah! W-what?”

Zhu Yuan snapped her head up—their eyes met for several seconds before both looked away simultaneously.

【Ding! Zhu Yuan’s affection increased by 5%. Current affection: 20%】

Ye Qingfeng blushed, gazing at the sky; Zhu Yuan stared shyly at the ground.

The fugitive, turning curiously, witnessed this scene and widened his eyes, mouth agape.

Wait, what? You… me? Him! I’m on early shift!

“Just now… did Mr. Ye Qingfeng call me by my name?”

Zhu Yuan took a deep breath, calming her flustered heart, then cleared her throat lightly and asked, cheeks still flushed:

“Yes… if you object, I won’t call you that. Of course, you may call me by my first name too…”

Ye Qingfeng’s gaze darted away as he scratched his cheek, embarrassed: “If you don’t mind…”

“Ye… Qingfeng…” (/ω＼) shy

Ye Qingfeng now understood Zhu Yuan’s personality: unquestionably dedicated as a public order officer.

Exceptionally bold, decisive, and composed—she swiftly subdued criminals and calmed frightened children, embodying a reliable, commanding image.

When chasing fugitives, she became even bolder, sharper, swiftly neutralizing threats and soothing terrified civilians, projecting a dependable, heroic image.

But around familiar people, or after work, she showed ordinary girl’s worries: shyness when facing things she couldn’t handle.

They fell into comfortable silence, quickening their pace until they reached the Bureau of Public Order.

Ye Qingfeng also felt at ease with Zhu Yuan—not like the two at home… whose personalities gave him headaches…

After handing the fugitive over to other officers and giving them instructions, Zhu Yuan walked alone toward Ye Qingfeng.

“I’ll take you to the reception lounge to wait. Once interrogation ends, they’ll bring the medal and reward.”

Normally, Zhu Yuan joined interrogations herself—but she worried he was unfamiliar with the place.

Or perhaps… she already saw him as a friend…

After all, she had her own troubles: daily exhaustion after work, the joy of catching criminals,

The loneliness of returning to an empty apartment, the helplessness of rarely seeing her parents due to work, the constant pressure from them to find a boyfriend…

But all her friends were colleagues—she couldn’t vent to them. Yet Ye Qingfeng’s presence let her speak freely without burden.

(Suddenly realized Zhu Yuan resembles Judy from Zootopia—and both have “Zhu” in their names? Huh?)

“Of course. Thank you, Zhu Yuan, for showing me the way.”

Ye Qingfeng’s expression was perfectly calm, his tone subtly eager, exuding grace and ease.

He looked exactly like an ordinary citizen.

No one would guess he was a recently released convict—even his family heirloom was fabricated.

Suddenly, Ye Qingfeng felt a pang of guilt for deceiving such a pure, lovely officer.

Wow! That’s really despicable!

Then I’ll find a chance to get Zhu Yuan’s contact info—when I encounter some evil force or gang, I’ll hand her a case as a gift!