DSMIS CH51

Chapter 51: Hmm? Not Allowed to Touch?

Under normal circumstances, Jiang Lin wouldn’t have been on duty on the fifth day of the Lunar New Year. However, with this new case popping up, his planned day off was inevitably canceled. Shen Xing didn’t go back to his own apartment either, opting to stay in Jiang Lin’s office all day.

The driver they caught yesterday was just a small fry in this drug trafficking case. The crucial task was uprooting the entire trafficking network. Since the location where the driver picked up the goods wasn’t in Fulan County, the Baoshan City Anti-Narcotics Detachment directly intervened.

The large office downstairs currently held zero holiday atmosphere. The room was packed with personnel from the supporting Anti-Narcotics Detachment and the county bureau. Criminal investigators and anti-narcotics cops were mostly heavy smokers, and with the majority of the room having pulled an all-nighter, the smoke concentration was thick enough to warrant calling the fire department.

Because it was the Spring Festival holiday, the county bureau’s canteen was closed. Naturally, it wouldn’t be appropriate to call the logistics staff in to cook for them during the New Year, so everyone was planning to just grab a quick bite to tide them over at noon.

The leader of the supporting team was Yang Bin, the same person who had come last time. He and Jiang Lin had known each other for a long time. At lunchtime, he sidled over and bumped Jiang Lin’s shoulder: “Hey, I discovered a really delicious brand of instant noodles. I have two boxes stocked in my trunk! I even brought braised eggs and sausages. Want me to make you a bowl later?”

Jiang Lin looked at him, remembering the message Director Shen had just sent him. Suppressing the urge to smile, he replied: “No thanks, I’m going to eat in my office in a bit.”

Yang Bin, not catching the subtle shift in his expression, thought he was just being polite: “Don’t be polite! I have two whole boxes in my trunk. I guarantee you’ve never had instant noodles this luxurious.”

The corners of Jiang Lin’s mouth twitched uncontrollably. He wanted to say, I’m afraid you haven’t even seen the luxurious instant noodles I’ve eaten. He patted Yang Bin’s shoulder: “It’s hard enough that you traveled all this way carrying instant noodles. Keep them for yourself. I’m heading upstairs.”

With that, Jiang Lin left the large office with Heibao, leaving a somewhat bewildered Yang Bin to mutter to himself: “No, seriously, why does he insist on eating in his office? Does he have a wife waiting in there or something?”

Knowing exactly who was in Jiang Lin’s office, Du Binbin lowered his head, not daring to chime in.

When Jiang Lin went upstairs, Shen Xing had already ordered takeout and was waiting for him. The moment he walked in, the aroma hit him, and for no apparent reason, a sense of grounded tranquility washed over him.

As soon as Heibao entered, the white Samoyed excitedly glued itself to him. The massive furball circled Heibao, its ears twitching constantly. Heibao seemed to be in an exceptionally good mood as well, nudging the Samoyed with his nose, which made the Samoyed even happier. The two dogs affectionately spun in circles on the floor.

Shen Xing looked up and met Jiang Lin’s gaze. Perhaps the night made people bolder and less inhibited, but now that it was daylight, logic triumphed over emotion, and IQ reclaimed the high ground. Shen Xing even felt as if he wasn’t the one who had kissed this man yesterday. Seeing Jiang Lin, his ears turned slightly red, and he quickly looked down to open the takeout containers: “Good thing it’s the fifth day; otherwise, hardly any places would be open.”

Not knowing when Jiang Lin would finish at noon and afraid the food would get cold, he had ordered two scalding hot stews with flatbread as the staple.

Jiang Lin sat down by the table. The moment he sat, Shen Xing caught the heavy scent of smoke clinging to him: “Captain Jiang, just how much did you smoke?” “I didn’t smoke. The office downstairs has practically become a smoking lounge. Is the smell very strong?” He lifted his arm, took a sniff, and instinctively shifted slightly away, figuring Director Shen wouldn’t like the smell of smoke.

Before he could move his stool further, Shen Xing grabbed his arm: “Why are you hiding? It’s fine. It’s not like I haven’t smelled smoke before.” “Aren’t all you doctors very averse to the smell of smoke?”

Shen Xing laughed: “What kind of doctor stereotype is that? Don’t you know doctors are the ones telling patients not to stay up late while pulling all-nighters themselves? We have three heavy smokers just in our department.”

After saying that, he added: “But I haven’t seen you smoke before. I thought you didn’t know how.”

Jiang Lin took the chopsticks Shen Xing handed him: “I used to smoke when pulling all-nighters for cases. I smoke less now.”

Shen Xing suddenly blinked and tilted his head: “Smoke one for me to see sometime.”

Jiang Lin didn’t quite understand, thinking he misheard: “Why do you want to see me smoke?”

Shen Xing suddenly reached across the table and lightly tapped his wrist: “I’m curious what Captain Jiang looks like with a cigarette held between these fingers.”

Doctor Shen’s words carried a flirtatious undertone that he himself hadn’t realized. Just looking at him made Jiang Lin feel the urge to throw rationality out the window. He lowered his head and let out a helpless chuckle: “You’re really going to be the death of me.”

Shen Xing belatedly realized the topic was a bit inappropriate. He coughed lightly twice and abruptly changed the subject: “How’s your leg doing?” “Much better. Not as painful anymore.”

Shen Xing let out a soft hmph: “That’s just the painkillers kicking in. Can you get off work tonight?” “Yeah, around 6 PM. The Baoshan Anti-Narcotics Detachment is here. It’s more convenient for them to handle cross-county operations from here on out.”

After lunch, Shen Xing cleared the table, and Jiang Lin prepared to take the trash downstairs. Just then, he heard Shen Xing ask: “Can I use this computer? I want to read a couple of articles.” “This one is connected to the intranet; you can’t access other websites. Use my laptop.”

Jiang Lin took his laptop out of the cabinet, opened it, and told him the password. Shen Xing flashed an OK sign.

Throughout the day, despite being in the same building, the two only saw each other during their lunch break. It wasn’t until past 6 PM that Jiang Lin came upstairs to fetch him to go home, not forgetting to grab the meat Shen Xing had bought yesterday from the canteen fridge.

Shen Xing led Heibao and Qianjin downstairs with him. Looking out at the courtyard, he suddenly remembered: “Oh no, my car is still parked by the side of the road near that supermarket.”

Yesterday was practically an extreme escape. He had ridden back to the county bureau in the Volkswagen Jiang Lin drove, abandoning his own ride. “It’s fine, we can drive it back tomorrow. Shall we walk back?”

Shen Xing shot him a look: “Walk my ass. The painkillers are working a bit too well, aren’t they?”

Jiang Lin lowered his head and fell silent. Shen Xing hailed a taxi by the road, gave the name of their apartment complex which was less than a kilometer away, and transported one man and two dogs home in two minutes.

Jiang Lin’s movements were a bit slow as he went upstairs. Walking behind him, Shen Xing felt a pang of sympathy watching him. His thoughts even wandered randomly: Thank goodness my building has an elevator.

Upon reaching their doors, Jiang Lin turned around, and the two locked eyes in front of their apartments once again. Perhaps because they were in a place they were both very familiar with, the air felt thicker with an indescribable atmosphere than it had in the office. Jiang Lin spoke up: “Let’s not order takeout. We have fresh mutton and vegetables at home. How about we make hot pot?”

Although they hadn’t explicitly defined it, today felt like a rather special, commemorative day. Plus, it was still the New Year period; eating takeout for two meals in one day just didn’t seem right. “Sure, I’ve been craving instant-boiled mutton anyway.”

After going inside, the two entered the kitchen together. Both tried to shoo the other out, but neither succeeded. In the small kitchen, with one washing the pot and the other prepping the vegetables, it was surprisingly harmonious and highly efficient. Within ten minutes, everything needed for the table was almost ready. Shen Xing carried the pot filled with boiling water into the living room, plugged it in, added the soup base and mutton, and smiled as he watched the bubbling broth: “Hot pot truly is the greatest invention by foodies.”

Jiang Lin suddenly stood up, retrieved a bottle of champagne from the fridge, and shook it slightly at Shen Xing: “It’s non-alcoholic. Want to open a bottle?”

Shen Xing flashed an OK sign. Today did seem worth celebrating. Jiang Lin smiled, went to wash glasses, and turned back to the living room to find Shen Xing absent from the table. Looking back, he saw him feeding Heibao and Qianjin. Suddenly, he noticed that both Qianjin and Heibao had two open small cans in front of them. He almost thought his eyes were playing tricks on him and chuckled: “Why is Director Shen so generous today? Qianjin didn’t even get two small cans on New Year’s Day, did he?”

Shen Xing aggressively rubbed the large head that was desperately trying to bury itself in the small can: “He’s riding on Brother Panther’s coattails today. Heibao performed a great service, so we’re celebrating with the whole nation. Making an exception to give him a taste.”

The Samoyed was eating with incredible relish, its dandelion-like tail swishing back and forth, occasionally smacking against Heibao. Heibao also raised his tail in response. Shen Xing couldn’t help but laugh, reaching out with both hands to rub the heads of the two dogs in front of him: “Eat up, eat up. Today is a good day.”

Hearing the words “good day,” Jiang Lin slightly lowered his head, unable to hide the smile in his eyes. The carbonated champagne poured into the flutes with a crisp, fizzing sound, inexplicably adding a touch of ambiance to the dinner.

As Shen Xing sat back down at the table, he heard Jiang Lin’s voice: “Today was a bit rushed, so this meal is a bit simple. Once the case is over, we’ll go out to eat.”

Shen Xing naturally knew why today was “special.” He raised his glass and clinked it against Jiang Lin’s: “Deal. Consider this your chance to woo me.”

Jiang Lin looked at the person across from him as if looking at a proud cat with its chin held high: “Then thank you for your grace, Director Shen.”

Both of them were hungry, and they devoured the two boxes of mutton without leaving a single scrap. After the meal, Jiang Lin carried the pot into the kitchen to clean up. Shen Xing stopped him: “Let me do it. Go sit inside for a bit.”

But Jiang Lin deftly sidestepped his hand: “I’ll do it. Director Shen’s hands are not for washing pots.”

Shen Xing laughed: “I washed test tubes in a lab for years, why can’t I wash a pot?” “This isn’t a lab. Go play with Heibao and Qianjin for a while.”

Whether cooking or cleaning, Jiang Lin was much more adept in the kitchen than Shen Xing. He was organized and swift. Having worked non-stop for two days, he was now slightly bent over the sink, washing dishes. He hadn’t even had time to change out of his police uniform shirt, merely rolling the sleeves up to his elbows casually, revealing the smooth lines of his forearms. The hem of his shirt was neatly tucked into his police trousers. Broad shoulders, long legs, and a police uniform—it was hard to say this sight held no attraction for Shen Xing.

Shen Xing stood behind him for a moment, his eyes seemingly glued to Jiang Lin. Just as he was about to mentally scold himself, he suddenly realized he didn’t seem to need to hold back anymore. Jiang Lin kissed me first yesterday. Neither of us is innocent here, so what am I holding back for?

With that thought, his hand suddenly reached out and touched the waist of the man in front of him. Jiang Lin’s entire body stiffened. Feeling this, Shen Xing smiled, his fingers playfully gliding and dancing along Jiang Lin’s waist. The action didn’t resemble a doctor at all; it was more like a street hooligan flirting.

Jiang Lin took a deep breath, his voice slightly hoarse, its pitch somewhat unsteady: “Director Shen.”

Shen Xing raised an eyebrow: “Hmm? Not allowed to touch?”

Jiang Lin lowered his brow, chuckled softly, and surrendered: “You’re allowed. Touch wherever you want.” “You said it.”

As soon as those words fell, Jiang Lin felt a warm body press up against his back. In that instant, he felt all his blood rush to his head. He rarely experienced such a loss of rationality. He set the pot down in the sink, rinsed his hands, and turned around. He hooked one arm around the waist of the person behind him, lowered his head slightly, and kissed the lips of the mischievous instigator.

Not to be outdone this time, Shen Xing leaned into the kiss, his hands not forgetting to take advantage of Captain Jiang’s waist, ultimately lightly scratching Jiang Lin’s lower abdomen, acting exactly like a little cat greedy for meat.

Both of them were breathing a bit heavily. The impulsive, probing feeling from late last night was gone, replaced by an added layer of tender ambiguity. Jiang Lin held Shen Xing close. Even though everything seemed to have been mutually understood last night, he felt they shouldn’t leave things vague. He cherished Shen Xing, and the phrase ‘my feelings for you aren’t pure’ wasn’t enough to convey his sincerity and devotion. Holding the person in his arms by the waist with one hand, he ruffled the back of his hair with the other: “Yesterday wasn’t a spur of the moment, and I wasn’t talking nonsense in the middle of the night. I like you, Doctor Shen.”

Jiang Lin gazed intently at the person in his arms, his eyes seeming to hold room only for this one person before him.

Shen Xing could clearly hear the vibrations in his own chest. That so-called sense of ceremony surged in his heart. He wrapped his arms around Jiang Lin’s waist as well, a deep smile reaching his eyes: “What a coincidence. I like you too, Captain Jiang.”

Jiang Lin cradled the back of his head and kissed his forehead. This wasn’t a fleeting peck like before, but a kiss brimming with profound, unbreakable love. Shen Xing only felt a tickle on his forehead, and it was as if every pore on his body opened up in a tingly rush. His legs began to feel weak. He realized that Jiang Lin kissing his forehead was even more lethal than kissing his lips. “Captain Jiang, that’s a foul.”

He didn’t know why, but when Jiang Lin kissed his forehead, his eyes stung a little.

Sensing his emotional shift, Jiang Lin tightened his arm around him, cradled his head to nuzzle his neck, and then rubbed his hair again. Shen Xing’s muffled voice came from near his ear: “When you do this, I always feel like you’re petting a dog.”

They were pressed tightly together. Shen Xing could even feel the vibration in Jiang Lin’s chest when he laughed: “Nonsense. Isn’t this petting a cat?”

Shen Xing laughed in exasperation and pushed him away. He felt himself burning up from his cheeks to his ears and down to his neck; he was practically fully cooked: “The cat-petting trial period is over. No more petting. Hurry up and wash the dishes. I’m going to see if Qianjin is done eating.”

Jiang Lin didn’t press his luck. If this continued, he was truly afraid something might happen. He took a deep breath and turned back to continue washing dishes.

In the living room, Shen Xing hugged the Samoyed and took several deep breaths before finally suppressing the burning sensation on his face.

When Jiang Lin finished washing and came into the living room, he saw Shen Xing playing fetch with Qianjin and Heibao. He grabbed a teacup, brewed two cups of tea with freshly boiled water, placed one in front of Shen Xing, and then naturally sat down beside him, leaning back into the sofa, quietly watching the bustling scene of one man and two dogs playing. Shen Xing took the ball Heibao had retrieved and turned his head. It hadn’t been obvious earlier, but now that Jiang Lin seemed to have let his guard down and sunk into the sofa, the exhaustion he had been suppressing surged to the surface all at once.

This man had only slept for a few hours yesterday afternoon since the night before last: “Aren’t you tired? Go take a shower and lie down in the bedroom.”

Jiang Lin paused. He was indeed very tired, but if he went to shower, Shen Xing might go home. He selfishly wanted to spend a little more time with him. Although they had confessed their feelings, it was only the first day. He didn’t know if Shen Xing was willing to stay, and he didn’t want to test the waters too aggressively and seem presumptuous. “It’s fine. I’ll sit for a bit. The hot pot was a bit heavy; drink some tea.”

In a daze, Shen Xing seemed to guess something. He turned sideways and leaned right next to Jiang Lin. His hand, seemingly with a mind of its own, automatically touched Jiang Lin’s waist, his eyes sparkling: “Are you afraid I’ll leave?”

Jiang Lin naturally wrapped an arm around the person beside him. Since Shen Xing had figured it out, he answered honestly: “Yes. I want to spend a little more time with you.”

Perhaps because Captain Jiang’s complexion was truly poor right now, coupled with his exhaustion and his incredibly gentle voice, Shen Xing was completely defenseless against him looking like this. His heart felt as if it had melted into a puddle of water: “Then I’ll grant your wish. Go wash up. I promise I’ll still be here when you’re done.”