Will Drawing the “Wife Card” Turn Me Into the Group’s Favorite? 38

Chapter 38: Repayment

Wei Langxing reported the new lead to Pang Jin, receiving a single sentence in response—

Do what you need to do.

It was a message of support, telling him not to hesitate, even if the person involved was of a higher rank.

Wei Langxing hung up, Pang Jin’s words liberating him. He wasn’t afraid of enemy fire, why should he be afraid of someone hiding in the shadows?

Perhaps it was just a paper tiger, easily exposed.

He thought this, still subconsciously separating the perpetrator from the Bureau. He wanted to believe it was an outsider who had infiltrated them, not someone acting on the Bureau’s orders.

He needed this belief to keep going. If the organization he had dedicated his life to was rotten to the core, he wouldn’t be able to accept it.

He thought this optimistic outlook might be Tang Yu’an’s influence.

No matter what happened, Tang Yu’an’s responses were always positive, encouraging. He wasn’t outwardly cheerful, but more like a warm light source, not burning, but providing brightness and comfort.

But Wei Langxing noticed that Tang Yu’an wasn’t devoid of negative emotions. On the contrary, when alone, his quiet demeanor seemed melancholic, as if the light within him had been switched off.

But the moment he spoke to him, he would immediately switch back to his usual social mode, the faint sadness a fleeting illusion.

Wei Langxing suspected it was related to his past—

Although he hadn’t elaborated, he knew his memories were returning.

Perhaps… he was remembering unpleasant experiences, sometimes losing himself in them.

Although he wanted to use his skills to investigate Tang Yu’an’s past, after Pang Jin’s reminder, he decided to respect his privacy.

If Tang Yu’an didn’t want to talk about it, he wouldn’t force him.

After Yu Liao’s death, he noticed Tang Yu’an seemed to zone out more often.

Sometimes, he would appear to be looking at the data on his tablet, but his eyes wouldn’t move.

He would also take a few seconds to respond when spoken to, like a sophisticated android.

This worried Wei Langxing, so he consulted a Bureau psychologist.

The doctor told him that based on his current behavior, it was normal for Tang Yu’an to be affected after such an incident, advising him to observe and wait.

However, it would be best to bring him in for a consultation, so she could assess the situation properly.

The Bureau conducted annual physical and psychological evaluations. Wei Langxing had seen Tang Yu’an’s reports; his scores were perfect, almost abnormally so.

He felt like the answers had been memorized.

But without concrete evidence, he couldn’t ask Tang Yu’an directly, afraid of upsetting him, so he could only subtly probe.

Once, bringing him some cupcakes, he casually asked: “How are you feeling today?”

Tang Yu’an even showed him the wound on his forehead, saying it was almost healed.

The wound wasn’t large, but the scar was noticeable against his fair skin.

Wei Langxing gently pressed his hand, making him reapply the healing patch: “Alright, alright, I understand, don’t move… I know you’ve been worried about Yu Liao’s case, but some cases are just like that, difficult to solve, don’t be discouraged.”

Tang Yu’an was surprised by his attentiveness.

But no matter how wonderful the protagonist was, he couldn’t let him be distracted by his trivial matters. They had more important missions to accomplish.

“I’m not discouraged,” he picked up his teddy bear. “He’s encouraging me.”

He pressed its belly, and the electronic voice echoed: “Tang Yu’an, you have to be happy!”

Wei Langxing, hearing the recording for the first time, realized it must be custom-made.

“Is this… a birthday gift from a friend?”

Tang Yu’an had been carrying it since their first meeting; it must be important to him. Wei Langxing felt a pang of jealousy towards the gift-giver.

Just a teddy bear… he would find something better to give him, this one was old.

Tang Yu’an stroked the bear’s head: “Perhaps. I don’t remember. I just know it’s been with me for a long time.”

The topic of his mental state ended with the teddy bear. Wei Langxing, feeling this wasn’t working, came up with another approach: distracting him, shifting his focus to other matters.

So, he brought him updates on the investigation, even though there was no real progress.

Tang Yu’an wondered why Wei Langxing kept coming to him with these insignificant updates, as if he was the superior.

This was the third time today.

Perhaps the slow progress made him seek his opinion.

Before Tang Yu’an could speak, Xie Cun, who had been leaning against the doorframe, announced his presence: “If you haven’t found anything, don’t bother him.”

He didn’t understand Wei Langxing’s intentions, only seeing him as a nuisance, constantly interrupting Tang Yu’an’s rest with trivial matters.

His words also carried a hint of frustration. He had been hitting dead ends himself, finally finding a small lead, only to discover it was a wild goose chase, based on hearsay, a misremembered name of a private pharmacy, not Yi Xin Pharmaceuticals.

He had even arrested the wrong person, earning him a reprimand.

He returned, fuming, and finally saw Tang Yu’an—

He was wearing a light green long-sleeved shirt, sitting on the bed with his legs crossed, like a small mint leaf.

Xie Cun’s anger instantly dissipated. He approached, smoothing down a stray strand of Tang Yu’an’s black hair right in front of Wei Langxing. The unruly hair sprang back up, amusing him, and he twirled it around his finger.

Wei Langxing: “Did you wash your hands before touching his hair?”

To prevent another pointless argument, Tang Yu’an tried to mediate: “I don’t mind, and Xie Cun is very clean.”

Wei Langxing choked. Had he heard correctly? What did Tang Yu’an just say? How did he know Xie Cun was clean?

Tang Yu’an: “Really, he told me he showers twice a day.”

Oh, so they hadn’t actually… seen anything.

But Wei Langxing hadn’t noticed any obsessive cleanliness in Xie Cun before. Had he learned it from Yu Liao?

He asked: “Why are you showering so much?”

Xie Cun ignored him, refusing to admit it was because Tang Yu’an had complimented his shower gel.

It was a custom-made scent, leaving a faint, lingering fragrance. He had even rubbed against Tang Yu’an once, asking if he liked it.

He had read online that having a scent the other person liked could increase intimacy and favorability.

Unlike Tang Yu’an, who seemed to naturally exude a sweet fragrance, he had to rely on artificial means.

Perfume was too obvious, too deliberate, so he chose a fragrant shower gel.

Tang Yu’an had sniffed it, not disliking it, but not particularly fond of it either. But seeing his expectant look, he had given a positive response.

Since then, Xie Cun had become obsessed with showering.

Every time he used the shower gel, he imagined Tang Yu’an leaning close to smell it, his face nuzzling against him, his long eyelashes brushing his skin, a kiss just a tilt of the head away.

He was almost embarrassed by his own thoughts.

However, Tang Yu’an hadn’t mentioned it again, making him wonder if he had chosen the wrong scent.

He had just tried a new shower gel, and to make Tang Yu’an notice, he leaned in close while playing with his hair, making Wei Langxing’s eye twitch.

Ignoring him, Xie Cun pulled out a silver earring, taking Tang Yu’an’s hand and placing it in his palm.

“This is for you.”

He had discovered how difficult it was to give Tang Yu’an gifts. He had repeatedly tried to return the asteroid, only stopping when Xie Cun said accepting returned gifts was a loss of face.

Later, he brought various supplements and trinkets, but Tang Yu’an always refused, as if unwilling to be indebted to him.

Once, frustrated, Xie Cun had asked why he accepted Wei Langxing’s gifts but not his, accusing him of looking down on him.

This was a misunderstanding. Tang Yu’an simply felt Xie Cun’s gifts were too expensive. Even if it was nothing to him, he, accustomed to frugality, felt uncomfortable accepting them.

Of course, he didn’t mean Wei Langxing was poor, but compared to Xie Cun, who spent money like water, Wei Langxing seemed more grounded.

With the protagonist unhappy, Tang Yu’an naturally had to fix it: “That’s not it at all, I just feel you’re so kind to me, and I have nothing to repay you with…”

Xie Cun, used to his playboy ways, blurted out: “Then let me kiss you.”

Before Tang Yu’an could respond, Wei Langxing, overhearing him, had grabbed him by the ear and thrown him out.

Knowing the protagonist’s personality, Tang Yu’an hadn’t thought much of it – flirting was as natural to Xie Cun as breathing.

It was just a joke. Perhaps Wei Langxing simply preferred colleagues who were more serious.

But Tang Yu’an’s indifference was interpreted as tacit agreement by Xie Cun.

Since then, he had become even bolder, constantly bringing him small gifts based on his preferences.

He had figured out that Tang Yu’an chose things based on personal preference, not price.

Although he would always give positive feedback, his expressions varied.

When he saw something he truly liked, he would avert his gaze, as if afraid of wanting something he couldn’t have.

Since realizing this, Xie Cun had become increasingly adept at understanding his tastes.

However, this earring was an exception. Tang Yu’an rarely wore jewelry, clearly not interested, but Xie Cun insisted on giving it to him.

Seeing him hesitate, he immediately offered to put it on for him.

Tang Yu’an only had a piercing in his left ear. He didn’t remember when he got it, and it was slightly crooked, likely not done professionally.

He wasn’t used to wearing jewelry, but seeing Xie Cun’s insistence, he relented.

Perhaps… the protagonist would be happier seeing something sparkly on his ear.

Perhaps because the piercing hadn’t healed properly, it would occasionally get inflamed, slightly red now.

The sensation of the earring going through his ear was strange, and he couldn’t help but make a small sound.

Wei Langxing immediately wanted to intervene: “Why are you giving him that? Can’t you see he doesn’t want it? And be gentle, you’re hurting him!”

Xie Cun also apologized, saying he hadn’t meant to, hesitant to continue.

Tang Yu’an guided the earring through himself, saying it wasn’t painful, just a little cold.

Xie Cun admired the earring on his ear, about to comment, when a knock came at the door.

What was it with everyone coming here?

It was Zuo Tinghan, wanting to discuss his new discovery with Tang Yu’an.

He should have reported it to the captain first, but he wanted to tell Tang Yu’an first.

Coincidentally, Xie Cun also wanted someone with better taste than Wei Langxing to appreciate his gift, asking: “You’re just in time. How does he look?”

Zuo Tinghan looked at Tang Yu’an for a couple of seconds, then said simply: “Good.”

Although his stoic expression made his words less convincing, Xie Cun knew he was always like this, his facial paralysis not affecting his sincerity.

“Ha! I told you!” Xie Cun couldn’t resist taunting Wei Langxing: “Clearly, it’s your eyes that have a problem. This earring is perfect for him!”

However, his smugness was short-lived, as Zuo Tinghan, his face expressionless, asked: “What earring?”

Xie Cun: “…”

“Are you kidding? You can’t see this huge earring? Then what did you mean by ‘good’?”

Zuo Tinghan replied calmly, like a robot: “You asked me to look, so I looked at his face. Why would I notice the earring?”

Xie Cun wanted to argue, but he couldn’t deny the logic.

Finally, he dropped the topic, explaining why he insisted on giving Tang Yu’an the earring.

“This isn’t just an ordinary earring. It has a built-in tracker and communication device. Custom-made…”

Wei Langxing was immediately alert: “You put a tracker on him? What are you planning?!”

“For his safety, of course! Think about it, what if next time… No, that’s not right. Think of it this way, if he gets lost, I’ll know his location immediately and can go pick him up. Isn’t that good?”

Wei Langxing admitted he had considered this himself, but he hadn’t mentioned it, afraid of making Tang Yu’an feel like he was being monitored.

Although he agreed that a tracker could be a safety measure, the thought of Xie Cun being able to track Tang Yu’an’s every move made him uneasy.

So, he objected: “I don’t think it’s appropriate. The Bureau never puts trackers on its officers to protect their privacy. Don’t you think this is inappropriate?”

Xie Cun scoffed, looking at him as if he was an idiot.

“Do you think I didn’t consider that? It can be turned off. But it’s designed to be deceptive. If someone else tries to turn it off, the tracking and other functions won’t be affected. I’ll register your fingerprint. Only you can truly disable it.”

He said smugly: “So, if another psycho tries to attack you, I can find you immediately. And even if they discover the tracker and try to disable it, it’s just a fake shutdown. See? How thoughtful am I?”

Tang Yu’an touched the earring. It was cold and smooth, not unpleasant.

But he still had a question: “But… if someone wants to disable the tracker, wouldn’t they just throw away the earring or crush it?”

Xie Cun: “…”

He suddenly felt his design was a bit stupid.

“Well, it’s still somewhat useful… This is just a gift, you can wear it or not, I’m not forcing you!”

Although he said that, Tang Yu’an understood his hidden message, knowing he desperately wanted confirmation.

If wearing an earring could make the protagonist feel better, he had no reason to refuse.

And he didn’t think his location was a secret.

He nodded, and Xie Cun, like a firework, excitedly explained how to use it.

“Besides tracking, it also has a communication function. You can call me anytime. It’s different from a phone, the sound is closer, like I’m whispering in your ear. If you can’t sleep, I can sing you a lullaby…”

Seeing him getting carried away, Wei Langxing interrupted him, saying it was just for safety, warning him not to use it to harass Tang Yu’an.

Xie Cun adjusted the earring, saying dismissively that he understood.

Saying it was one thing, doing it was another. Even as captain, Wei Langxing couldn’t control him.

Feeling like he had established a unique connection with Tang Yu’an, Xie Cun was in a good mood, even being nice to the stoic Zuo Tinghan.

“Didn’t you say you had a new discovery? Since everyone’s here, tell us. Standing there silently, anyone would think you’re a mannequin…”

Zuo Tinghan, a lone wolf for so many years, naturally avoided crowds.

Seeing Tang Yu’an surrounded by Wei Langxing and Xie Cun, he had stood in a corner, not wanting to intrude.

As long as Tang Yu’an wasn’t in danger, there was no need for him to intervene.

He hadn’t understood why people liked being so close to each other. They were independent individuals; wasn’t it better to maintain some distance?

But seeing Tang Yu’an, he felt he deserved to be the center of attention, surrounded by admirers.

The earring suited him, making him think of a precious jewel on display. Zuo Tinghan was momentarily mesmerized, snapping back to reality when Xie Cun called him, remembering he had something important to discuss.

He presented his findings. Wei Langxing listened, his expression unreadable.

He asked: “So, you think the information we received before was deliberately planted?”

Xie Cun, not understanding these things, was skeptical: “Who could freely access the Bureau’s system without leaving a trace… Are you overthinking it?”

“I don’t believe in coincidences.” Zuo Tinghan looked at Wei Langxing, seeking his opinion.

Wei Langxing nodded: “I agree.”

Xie Cun was surprised: “You knew?”

“A flaw too perfect becomes a flaw itself.” Wei Langxing explained: “Just as we were at a dead end, a new lead conveniently appeared. It’s suspicious.”

He asked Tang Yu’an: “And I’m wondering if the person who hacked the system is the same person who provided your location… Do you think it could be someone you know?”

Tang Yu’an immediately thought of K.

After being rescued, he had been told that a hacker had provided his location to the Bureau. And he had noticed signs that the mirror had been activated, perhaps accidentally triggered by his uncontrolled mental energy.

He hadn’t contacted K since, realizing he had underestimated his potential danger.

If it was him, it meant he had been watching him all along, a thought that made him uneasy.

But he had saved him, so he wouldn’t expose him yet.

He shook his head in response to Wei Langxing’s question.

Zuo Tinghan interjected, saying it wasn’t likely the same person, as the methods were completely different.

Wei Langxing sighed: “So, there are possibly two different forces manipulating us from the shadows…”

With the protagonist disheartened, the tool-man had to offer encouragement.

Tang Yu’an said comfortingly: “It’s okay, at least we’re trying, maybe we’ll get good news soon…”

Just as he finished speaking, Wei Langxing’s phone rang. It was the special ringtone he had set for Pang Jin, which meant there was a new mission.

Xie Cun: “That’s effective!”

Wei Langxing answered the call, his expression changing.

After the call, they asked if there was any progress, good news or bad news.

Wei Langxing, still in disbelief, said: “One good news, one bad news. The good news is, we found the person behind Yi Xin Pharmaceuticals.”

Xie Cun immediately started to get his gear: “Then what are we waiting for? Let’s go get him!”

“The bad news is, he committed suicide.”

“What?!”

“And another piece of news, I’m not sure if it’s good or bad – we know him.”

————

Two hours earlier—

Zheng Zhi, after his golf game, handed his equipment to his subordinate and headed back.

He hummed a tune, seemingly in a good mood.

But when he opened the door and turned on the lights, he saw a figure standing in his living room.

Recognizing the masked man, he clutched his chest, cursing: “You bastard! Who gave you permission to enter my home?!”

The masked man, wearing gloves, replied through a voice modulator: “Your security system is pathetic.”

Zheng Zhi wasn’t about to back down, deliberately provoking him: “I haven’t reported your mission failure to the organization yet, have I? Since you’re so capable, I’m sure you don’t mind me telling them the truth…”

“Do as you please.” The masked man replied: “But I have a question. I want to know who neutralized my attack last time.”

For the first time ever, someone had anticipated his signature move.

Zheng Zhi poured himself a drink, turning his back to him: “You were only sent here to assist me. Don’t pry into things that don’t concern you. This is an internal Bureau matter.”

The masked man walked over, turning his wheelchair to face him.

“His name is Tang Yu’an, a new recruit in the Strategic Processing Center, correct?”