DSMIS CH53

Chapter 53: When Did You Start Harboring Wicked Intentions Toward This Director?

Amused by his offer to let himself be “kept” for 500 yuan, Shen Xing pecked the corner of his lips and teased: “Captain Jiang devalues pretty quickly.”

“After all, it’s with Director Shen. I wouldn’t even mind paying out of pocket to be with you.”

Shen Xing was thoroughly charmed by him: “And here I thought all along that you were a respectable, upright man.”

“Am I not respectable now?”

Jiang Lin was also worried Shen Xing might find him frivolous, but Director Shen was simply too alluring; he couldn’t help himself.

“It’s great. Smooth-talking and charming—just the right amount.”

Jiang Lin’s heart ached knowing how long Shen Xing had been standing in surgery. Guessing his legs must be sore, he wrapped an arm around him without any ulterior motive, speaking seriously: “Don’t your legs ache? Are you sure you don’t need me to bathe you?”

Shen Xing didn’t know whether to laugh or cry: “Do I look like Sister Lin to you? This level of intensity isn’t anything rare at our hospital; I’ve just grown soft after slacking off for a few months here. And besides…”

Jiang Lin looked down: “Besides what?”

“Besides, the thought of you standing in a bathhouse in underwear and rain boots giving people body scrubs is a bit disillusioning. You won’t ever be sent on undercover sting missions like that again in the future, will you?”

“Probably not. Back then, I was a fresh graduate and an unfamiliar face.”

“True. Nowadays, no one would make a detachment leader cosplay as a bathhouse attendant. At the very least, it’d have to be a male model.”

With that, he seized the opportunity to grab a handful of Captain Jiang’s waist before slipping into the bathroom. Left with empty arms as the door shut in front of him, Jiang Lin laughed in exasperation. This cat must be part loach.

That night, Shen Xing had every intention of acting like a rogue, but the spirit was willing and the flesh was weak. He was far too exhausted. He fell asleep almost the instant his head touched the pillow, though his hand still remembered to drape over Jiang Lin’s waist. Fortunately, multi-car pileups weren’t a daily occurrence. Under normal circumstances, the county hospital wasn’t overwhelmingly busy. After the official end of the holiday on the eighth day of the New Year, Shen Xing basically resumed a normal routine of clocking in and out on time.

Jiang Lin, evidently, did not.

Jiang Lin worked overtime very late over the following days. He couldn’t bear to let Shen Xing come over and stay up with him, and Shen Xing felt there was no need to be excessively clingy either. After work, Shen Xing would either pop into the county bureau canteen to mooch dinner or order takeout he liked to eat at home, while looking after the two furbabies.

Over the course of the week, meeting up at noon and evening in the canteen for a meal counted as their dates. The longest stretch of time they spent together each day was the hour or so in the morning for walking the dogs and having breakfast. By the time Jiang Lin got home at night, it was around 11 PM, and after showering and tidying up, it was well past midnight.

For two working stiffs who had to get up for work the next day—plus Jiang Lin’s “veteran cadre” sleep schedule of not even touching his phone before bed—this hour effectively ruled out any other nighttime activities. Jiang Lin would simply pull Shen Xing into his arms, stroke him like petting a cat, and the two would drift off to sleep.

Finally, the weekend arrived. This year, the Lantern Festival coincided with the weekend, which pleased Shen Xing immensely. However, with the case still unresolved, Captain Jiang’s weekend was unlikely to be entirely his own.

On Friday night, Jiang Lin blew dry Director Shen’s hair as Shen Xing sat on the edge of the bed browsing his phone, his tone tinged with an apology: “I probably won’t get a day off this weekend. But the day after tomorrow, I’ll do my best to carve out some time so we can go out to eat. If you have time, why don’t you pick a restaurant?”

Jiang Lin genuinely felt guilty toward Shen Xing. They had only just gotten together, and far from spending extra time with him, he couldn’t even guarantee leaving work on time or taking regular rest days.

Hearing this, Shen Xing put down his phone and lightly scratched Jiang Lin’s lower abdomen, causing the man’s abs to tense up. Shen Xing smiled: “Captain Jiang feels bad?”

Jiang Lin ran his fingers through the soft hair he had just dried and leaned down to kiss the top of his head: “Mm. Haven’t had time to properly keep you company.”

“Remember these words. When we get back to Tianjin City, who knows who won’t have time for whom? Haven’t you heard? ‘Marrying a doctor leads to misery.'”

The word “marrying” sparked an indescribable warmth in Jiang Lin’s heart. He loved that Director Shen’s plans for the future included him. But then he remembered another saying: “Seems marrying a police officer does too.”

The two locked eyes for two seconds and burst out laughing together. A doctor and a cop—truly, when work got busy, they’d probably have to communicate via telepathy alone.

Shen Xing liked browsing on his phone before bed, but recently this habit had been shifting. Rather than scrolling through his phone, he preferred playing with Captain Jiang before sleep—basically touching and caressing him all over to his heart’s content. For instance, right now, he was clinging to Jiang Lin like an octopus, legs wrapped around Jiang Lin’s legs, arms around his waist, head nestled in the crook of his neck, fingers dancing across his lower abdomen: “You don’t need to feel bad. I’m a grown adult, do I really need you to keep me company every single day? I’m perfectly capable of entertaining myself. Besides, I expect I’ll be getting busy soon too.”

Jiang Lin held him close. In this position, all he had to do was turn his head slightly to kiss Shen Xing’s forehead: “What’s happening?”

“Aren’t they encouraging county hospitals to improve surgical capabilities and foster close medical partnerships now? Plus, orthopedic doctors from the county hospital went to our hospital for fellowship training before the New Year; they should be returning in about a month. With me being here right now, the county hospital is planning to tentatively introduce joint replacement surgeries in the orthopedics department after the holiday. After all, the population in the county is severely aging, and the demand for joint replacements is high. If the county hospital can perform these surgeries, it will be much friendlier to patients in terms of both cost and convenience.”

Shen Xing was in quite high spirits talking about this, reflected in how his fingers danced even more cheerfully across Captain Jiang’s abdomen: “Honestly, if I can really help push this surgery forward at the county hospital, I’ll truly feel this mission was worthwhile.”

Having said that, he felt a bit sheepish: “Thinking like this makes me sound a bit conceited, doesn’t it? It’s not like it’s solely my achievement, but I’m just happy.”

Jiang Lin was nearly bowled over by how adorable the person beside him was. He pulled him up slightly, peppering kisses across his cheek and lips: “Not conceited at all. Your face is only palm-sized anyway. If the county can really carry out this surgery, Director Shen will have played a vital role in healing the world and saving lives.”

“Aiyoyo, you’re heaping on the praise way too thick.”

Under the blanket, Jiang Lin took his hand: “I should be able to free up some time the day after tomorrow in the afternoon. Come with me to visit Auntie Shulan.”

Shen Xing nodded immediately: “She’s back?” He remembered that for the New Year, Cao Shulan had been taken to Qujing by her younger brother and nephew to celebrate.

“Yeah, came back last week. I haven’t had time to visit.”

“I’m free tomorrow anyway. I’ll take her to the hospital for an X-ray and follow-up checkup, and then go with you to see her the day after.”

Jiang Lin nuzzled the crown of his head: “Thank you.”

“Come on, between the two of us, there’s no need for ‘thank you,’ right?”

The next morning, Shen Xing went to the nursing home. Perhaps because she had just returned from spending the New Year with her brother’s family, Cao Shulan’s mental and physical state had visibly improved; she could already walk with crutches. He picked up the caregiver and Cao Shulan, took them to the hospital for follow-up X-rays, and brought them back, prompting endless gratitude from Cao Shulan.

Leaving the nursing home, Shen Xing didn’t feel like eating at the county bureau canteen. Leaning against his car, he sent Jiang Lin a message: “Hero, I want malatang. Waiting for you at the entrance.”

After sending it, he drove to the gate of the county bureau. Sure enough, Jiang Lin emerged shortly after, having changed into a casual jacket.

They went to a chain malatang restaurant. Shen Xing handed him the self-serve plastic bowl and whispered: “Have you ever had this before?”

Jiang Lin didn’t know whether to laugh or cry: “Director Shen, I went to school too. How could I have never eaten malatang?” He genuinely began to wonder if, in Shen Xing’s eyes, he was some prehistoric antique who used a flip phone for senior citizens.

Shen Xing rubbed his nose and chuckled: “Well, I’ve just never seen you eat this kind of street food before.”

If there was any street food that had achieved nationwide dominance, malatang had to be on the list. Shen Xing hadn’t eaten it in a long time; clutching his bowl, he ladled in several spoonfuls of chili oil and vinegar, sitting down contentedly and working up a sweat on his forehead: “Oh, right. I took Auntie Shulan to the hospital for X-rays this morning. Don’t worry, she’s recovering very well.”

“That’s good. I might actually be able to leave right at clock-out time this afternoon. What do you want for dinner?”

With a rare chance of Captain Jiang getting off early, Shen Xing blurted out immediately: “Let’s stick with Korean BBQ! We’ll grill it at home.”

“Deal.”

After lunch, Shen Xing drove Jiang Lin back to the bureau. Instead of rushing home, he drove toward Shipa Street. Parking on both sides of Shipa Street was far too tight, so he simply parked along the outer Fuxing Commercial Street and planned to walk in.

The next day was the Lantern Festival. Although the Lunar New Year celebrations were nearing their end, the festive atmosphere on the commercial street hadn’t waned in the slightest. Jewelry stores had hung banners for promotional discounts, and Lantern Festival sales were in full swing. Shen Xing bought himself a drink from Mixue Bingcheng, snapped a picture, and sent it to Jiang Lin. Getting no reply for a while, he figured Jiang Lin was busy and didn’t mind, strolling and sipping his drink along the street.

Suddenly, he stopped in his tracks upon seeing an outfit on a mannequin in an outdoor sports brand store. He looked up at the mannequin, then down at himself. Same brand, same style—the exact same brick-red windbreaker. In a flash, realization dawned on him, and he turned to push open the store door.

The sales assistant naturally spotted the “star product” of their shop on Shen Xing right away and greeted him warmly. Shen Xing touched the jacket on the mannequin and turned to ask: “This outfit was a gift from a friend, along with white outdoor pants and a hat. Did he buy it at your shop?”

In a small county town with relatively low sales volume, the sales clerk almost instantly remembered the handsome customer who had placed his order without hesitation: “Was the person you’re talking about quite tall and very handsome?”

“Yes, slightly taller than me.”

“Oh, I remember him! He came in right before the New Year, saying he was picking it out for a friend.”

Shen Xing took a sip of his Peach Four Seasons Spring tea with a smirk. A relative in the clothing business, my ass. To think he came up with that.

That afternoon, the sales assistant landed another exceptionally decisive customer. Fifteen minutes later, Shen Xing stepped out of the store carrying several shopping bags, his silhouette bearing an uncanny resemblance to Captain Jiang’s from half a month ago.

Carrying his bags, Shen Xing headed to Shipa Street, heading straight for the craft shop where they had previously looked at carpets. The master haggler wasn’t here today, so he had to rely on his own skills. Fortunately, he performed quite decently and returned home laden with spoils.

When Jiang Lin arrived home, he felt the apartment had undergone a complete transformation. Underneath the small coffee table in front of the sofa lay a red-and-blue Tibetan carpet. Heibao was lying on it right now, while the other large furball was resting its head directly on Heibao’s belly, sprawled out like a pancake. A matching Tibetan linen runner was draped over the coffee table, topped with two cups that were clearly a pair. Two solid-colored linen throw pillows had also been added to the sofa.

On the dining table, the grill pan, tableware, washed vegetables, sliced sweet potatoes, and a large bottle of orange juice were already set out. Beside them was a fruit platter loaded with washed cherry tomatoes, cherries, and mandarin oranges. The apartment, which had once felt somewhat sparse, seemed to instantly gain warmth and a true feeling of home. Hearing the door open, Shen Xing poked his head out of the kitchen: “You’re back? Just wait, today we have Shen’s Special Marinated Meat!”

Jiang Lin hung up his jacket and walked into the kitchen, finding their Director Shen diligently wearing an apron. A phone was propped up on the counter playing a Korean BBQ tutorial from a food vlogger. Shen Xing was carefully following the steps to julienne scallions for the scallion salad that went with the grilled meat. The scallion shreds were remarkably fine. Jiang Lin instinctively said: “Careful not to cut your fingers. Let me do it.”

Shen Xing turned his head in amusement: “Hero, listen to what you’re saying. Are you questioning a surgeon’s knife skills?”

“Right, of course. I’ll leave the floor to our Director Shen, then. Quite a feast, isn’t it?” Several plates of meat sat on the counter, all freshly marinated.

Shen Xing joked with a grin: “Naturally. Captain Jiang is burdened with affairs of state. On the rare day you actually get off on time, how could I not pamper you properly? I have to be considerate, you know.”

Jiang Lin embraced him from behind and pressed a kiss to his cheek: “No need to be considerate.”

Shen Xing felt a tickle at the very tip of his heart: “Aiyoyo, Captain Jiang, you’re breaking the rules again.”

Dinner was lavish, with plates large and small covering the table. Just as Shen Xing sat down, he remembered: “Ah, forgot to slice the apple.”

Jiang Lin stood up: “I’ll do it.”

When Jiang Lin brought out the sliced apples, he saw Shen Xing had found a pair of crystal-clear stemmed glasses and poured orange juice into them: “Newly bought?”

Swirling his glass, Shen Xing squinted at the juice shimmering in the clear glass under the lights: “Yep. What do you think? Doesn’t it look high-end?”

Jiang Lin praised him without hesitation.

Shen Xing then got up to grab some ice cubes from the freezer and dropped a few into his orange juice. Jiang Lin held his glass out, indicating he wanted some too, but Shen Xing whisked the ice tray away: “Not for you. Doesn’t your stomach act up? Less cold drinks for you.”

Jiang Lin had no choice but to silently withdraw his glass: “Go easy on it yourself, or you’ll get an upset stomach.”

Shen Xing immediately recalled their iconic first encounter: “Shut up, wish something good for me.”

Jiang Lin couldn’t hold back his laughter.

Under the warm, soft light, the sizzle of meat on the grill filled the air, instantly bringing a cozy, homely bustle to the small room. Watching the person opposite him sandwich grilled meat and scallions between apple slices, Jiang Lin asked curiously: “Is it good?”

The crisp sweetness of the apple cut through the richness of the pork, paired with the zesty scallions. Shen Xing instantly narrowed his eyes in delight: “Delicious, so good! Quick, try one! Truly, food vloggers never lie.”

Both were ravenous, practically devouring nearly all the meat on the table. Looking across at Shen Xing—slumped in his chair from being stuffed yet still peeling two mandarin oranges—and then at the completely revamped room, Jiang Lin felt a warmth in his chest as cozy as a simmering pot: “It looks really nice.”

Shen Xing followed his gaze: “Naturally! My taste is impeccable. When I have time, I’ll hunt down some coasters, and then the bedroom—your color scheme is far too dull. I saw a four-piece bedding set I liked, but unfortunately, they didn’t have 1.8 by 2.0 meters. I’ll browse again next time.”

Since graduation, Jiang Lin had been with the Anti-Narcotics Detachment. When busy, he wouldn’t go home for days, and he never had the time or energy to decorate. To him, a 160-square-meter apartment was merely a place to sleep; he rarely even ate meals there. But Shen Xing was different. Being a doctor was no less demanding than police work, yet he seemed to have inexhaustible energy. He was like a sunny orange cat who loved life: fond of snacks, fond of decorating, fond of his timid Samoyed. Even when so busy his heels were kicking the back of his head, he lived colorfully and vibrantly.

“Alright. I’ll go with you.”

After dinner, Jiang Lin adamantly refused to let Shen Xing lift a finger to clean up. Shen Xing went to the living room, sitting on the newly bought carpet and alternately burying his face in Heibao and Qianjin. Suddenly, he stood up, scooped up the large furball, bounced it twice, and pinched its chubby face: “Did you get fat again?”

The Samoyed didn’t understand, merely grinning at him.

“You definitely stole Heibao’s small cans.”

Having finished cleaning the kitchen and dining area, Jiang Lin walked over just in time to see Shen Xing stepping onto the scale holding Qianjin, and then exploding: “Silly dog, you gained weight again! 67 jin! Unacceptable! Starting tomorrow, strict diet! An extra two kilometers in the morning!”

Put back down, the Samoyed had no idea what fate awaited it, wagging its tail and nuzzling up to Heibao again. Upon receiving Heibao’s affectionate nudge in response, it contentedly laid its head back on his belly like a pancake.

Shen Xing shot a dagger of a glare at Jiang Lin. Jiang Lin hastily said: “I really didn’t give him any extra cans. Weight loss—he definitely needs to lose weight. Add two kilometers.”

The obliging answer made Shen Xing laugh. He certainly believed Jiang Lin hadn’t fed extra cans these past few days; the man had been so busy he barely had time to eat himself. He pulled Jiang Lin toward the bedroom, blinking: “By the way, a relative of mine in the clothing business mailed me two pieces of clothing, but they’re too large for me. Go in and try them on to see if they fit.”

The all-too-familiar excuse immediately set off alarm bells for Jiang Lin. Sure enough, the moment he stepped into the bedroom, he spotted the very familiar branded shopping bag…

Shen Xing walked over and pulled out the jacket inside. It was the exact same model as his brick-red windbreaker, only in dark grey. Holding the jacket in front of Jiang Lin, he raised an eyebrow: “Try it on, Captain Jiang. Let’s see if it fits.”

Jiang Lin would have to be an idiot not to realize he had been found out. His ears flushed slightly red in an instant. Seeing his reaction, Shen Xing teased: “‘A relative in the clothing business.’ And here I actually believed you back then.”

“I just… happened to pass by the commercial street back then, saw the windbreaker on the mannequin and thought it suited you, so… so I bought it…”

Shen Xing helped him slip the jacket on, pulled him in front of the bedroom mirror, hugged him from the front, and looked up: “Speak. When exactly did you start harboring wicked intentions toward this Director? Confess everything honestly.”

Jiang Lin looked down at the person before him as if looking at a kitten trying to act fierce. He hooked an arm firmly around Shen Xing’s waist and kissed him straight on the lips.